HC Deb 22 January 1975 vol 884 cc349-50W
35. Mr. Atkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has submitted to the Turkish Government in regard to the continued presence of Turkish-Cypriot refugees on British Cyprus bases; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ennals

The British Government have decided to permit the Turkish Cypriots in the western sovereign base area to go to Turkey in Turkish civil aircraft. The timing of our decision was determined by humanitarian considerations.

Mr. Atkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement as to the current obligations of Her Majesty's Government in regard to the Treaty of Guarantee, Cyprus.

Mr. Hattersley

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham, West (Mr. Price) on 21st January.

Mr. Atkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what agreement has been reached with the Turkish, Greek and Cypriot Governments in regard to the transfer of Turkish Cypriot refugees from the British base at Episkopi to the Turkish mainland and their subsequent transfer to the northern parts of Cyprus; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hattersley

On humanitarian grounds Her Majesty's Government have decided to permit the Turkish Cypriots in the western sovereign base area to go to Turkey in Turkish civil aircraft. We have been closely and constantly in touch with the other Governments concerned.

Mrs. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take action to assist the 200,000 Greek Cypriot refugees to return safely to their homes, in view of the facilities granted to Turkish Cypriot refugees to leave Episkopi.

Mr. Hattersley

We have made many representations to the Turkish Government and to Mr. Denktash on this subject and shall continue to do so. Meanwhile we have committed well over £1 million for relief aid in Cyprus.

Mrs. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government are taking in accordance with their treaty obligations to ensure the independence and integrity of Cyprus as a republic within the Commonwealth.

Mr. Hattersley

In the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee, Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom recognised and guaranteed the independence, territorial integrity and security of the Republic of Cyprus. Her Majesty's Government are continuing to do all they can to promote a settlement in Cyprus consistent with this obligation.