HC Deb 22 May 1991 vol 191 cc509-10W
Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Turkey concerning article 39 of the treaty of Lausanne and the Kurdish language.

Mr. Garel-Jones

We have not made representations to the Government of Turkey regarding article 39 of the treaty of Lausanne. We have noted the recent decision of the Turkish Cabinet to ease restrictions on the use of the Kurdish language.

Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to the Government of Turkey, concerning the theft of emergency supplies from Kurdish refugee camps in Turkey by members of the Turkish army; and to what extent such incidents have occurred.

Mr. Garel-Jones

No representations have been made to the Turkish authorities, who have formally denied press allegations of the theft of emergency supplies by members of the Turkish army. We are not aware of any other reports of any looting of relief aid.