§ Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the present financial agreement with the Government of Cyprus regarding British military bases in Cyprus.
§ Mr. PattieThe British military bases in Cyprus are on British territory. Their cost is borne on the United Kingdom budget.
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§ Mr. Norman Atkinsonasked the Secretary pf State for Defence what agreements exist permitting use by Her Majesty's Government of the Crown bases in Crprus; if he will inquire into the non-payment of rent, fees or grants by Great Britain over recent years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PattieThe sovereign base areas are British sovereign territory which were retained for military use when the Republic of Cyprus was established in 1960. Being British territory, no fees or rents are payable to the Republic for their use.
Matters such as grants by way of aid are more properly for my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal.
§ Mr. Norman Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence if free and regular consultation takes place between the Cyprus Government and the British authorities as to the work being done on the British Crown bases in Cyprus, their military function and weapons used or based on the island.
§ Mr. PattieThe sovereign base areas are British sovereign territory and no consultations with the Cyprus Government about their military use by British forces is required.