HC Deb 20 June 1977 vol 933 cc351-2W
Mr. McCusker

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if British tourists and residents in Northern Cyprus are prohibited from entry into Dekhelia base; and what documentation, if any, is required to obtain entry.

Mr. Wellbeloved

There is no prohibition on British residents and tourists entering the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area. There are no frontier barriers between the SBAs and the rest of Cyprus, but I understand that the Turkish Cypriot Administration impose security checks from time to time on people crossing into Dhekelia.

Mr. McCusker

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot civilians are employed at Dekhelia, Episkopi and Akrotiri bases.

Mr. Wellbeloved

As follows:

Dhekelia:
Greek Cypriote … … 1,031
Turkish Cypriote … … 343
Episkopi and Akrotiri:
Greek Cypriots … … 2,100
Turkish Cypriots … … 4

Mr. McCusker

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will restore the telephone link between Turkish Cyprus and Dekhelia Sovereign Base as he has already restored the link with Greek Cyprus.

Mr. Wellbeloved

Telephone calls between Dhekelia and the Republic are routed via the Cyprus Telecommunication Authority exchange at Larnaca. This link has not been broken. Restoration of communications between Larnaca and the north of Cyprus is a matter for intercommunal agreement.