HC Deb 26 November 1975 vol 901 cc202-3W
20. Mr. Christopher Price

ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further initiatives he is taking to solve the refugee problem in Cyprus.

Mr. Hattersley

As my right hon. Friend told the House on 12th November, we are discussing this matter urgently with our European partners and with the Americans. We are also in the process of handing over to the Cyprus Government two retained sites, at Polemidhia and Zyyi, which can together provide hutted accommodation for up to 1,000 refugees.

Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the present position of British residents in the Turkish-occupied area of Cyprus; and whether compensation is now being paid for damaged or looted property.

Mr. Hattersley

The recent closure of the Ledra Palace checkpoint has caused considerable inconvenience, and we are continuing to press the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish authorities for a relaxation of this restriction. Compensation is not yet being paid. We are doing all we can to persuade those responsible for British losses to establish procedures for the settlement of claims.

Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British subjects have unsatisfied claims for compensation arising out of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus; and what is the total value of the same.

Mr. Hattersley

About 1,600 British subjects have registered details of property owned in Cyprus. Many of these people have suffered loss, injury or damage, but because of continuing limitations on access to certain areas of the Turkish-controlled part of the island it is not yet possible to estimate the total value of such loss.

No compensation has so far been paid.

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