HC Deb 24 July 1978 vol 954 cc602-3W
Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is currently the estimated claim for compensation by British nationals against the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus and the Turkish Government; and what

Mr. Luard

It is not possible to give an estimate of the total amount of compensation being claimed by British progress is being made in payment or restitution. nationals as not all claimants have visited their properties to quantify their losses.

The Turkish Cypriot Claims Commission is now considering claims, giving priority to those involving death and injury and to cases where claimants are resident in Cyprus. No payments have yet been made.

Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the estimated number of British-owned flats, houses or businesses in Cyprus that are still in Turkish occupation and for which no compensation has been paid.

Mr. Luard

The British High Commission in Nicosia estimate that about 25 British-owned houses and 30 flats in which British nationals have contractual interests are in Turkish or Turkish Cypriot occupation. Generally, under Cyprus law, the majority holding in any business enterprise has to be Cypriot. It is not possible to say how many businesses with British interests have been taken over. The Turkish Cypriot Claims Commission is now considering compensation claims.