asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, pending pursuit of claims for compensation against the appropriate authorities for damage suffered by British residents in Cyprus, he has any proposals for interim assistance by way of loan or otherwise to those British residents who suffered damage to their homes or property.

No. It is long-established policy that in peace time Her Majesty's Government do not compensate their nationals in respect of losses or injuries sustained in territories outside their jurisdiction. To breach this principle, even on an interim basis, might well encourage overseas Governments to evade their responsibilities in the hope that Her Majesty's Government would pay compensation.