asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the present situation in Cyprus, with special regard to consideration of United Nations discussions about the future of the island.

The British Government are working for a resumption of the intercommunal negotiations, which are essential for progress towards a settlement. The British attitude at the United Nations reflects this. In my right hon. Friend's view, the resolution recently adopted in the General Assembly will not help towards a resumption of negotiations and the United Kingdom therefore abstained in the vote.