§ 16. Mr. Brittanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the current situation regarding the payment of compensation to British citizens who have suffered loss or damage in Cyprus.
§ Mr. LuardThere have been some encouraging developments on three fronts. Following our representations, the Turkish Government have asked for details of claims arising from the period of hostilities in Cyprus in 1974 and we are arranging for this information to be presented to them.
Mr. Denktash has said that his administration is to set up a Claims Commission. This, we are informed, will deal with claims arising after the cessation of hostilities. We are urging Mr. Denktash to ensure that the Commission begins work as soon as possible. in the meantime, Mr. Denktash has indicated a willingness to look at certain compassionate cases in advance of the establishment of the Commission.
The Cyprus Government, too, have expressed a general willingness to consider certain claims which are held to be their responsibility, and following further talks held recently we are now arranging for such claims to be presented to them.
§ 29. Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and 555W Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a further statement about Cyprus.
§ Mr. HattersleyI refer my hon. Friend to the reply I give earlier today to the Question put down by the hon. Member for Bexleyheath (Mr. Townsend).