To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the refurbishment of the Ledra Palace, Nicosia, in order to provide improvised accommodation for the United Kingdom contingent of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus has been completed; what was the cost; and who paid for the work. [HL5961]

The renovation and refurbishment of the Ledra Palace Hotel continues as part of an agreed three-year programme between 2007 and 2010 between the Republic of Cyprus and the UN. All work on the external fabric of the building is complete providing a watertight structure. All roofs have now been repaired and/or replaced, the fire detection and alarm systems have been installed, asbestos removal in the boiler rooms and cellars is complete, the floor covering in the gymnasium has been replaced and the ration store refurbished. The recommissioning of rooms in the west wing is complete and a total of 35 rooms have been handed over to the UN forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP). In addition to this, the renovation of the Ledra Palace Hotel medical centre is nearing completion.

There is no direct cost to the UK for this work. The work is being carried out by the Republic of Cyprus in an arrangement with the United Nations and we do not have visibility of the associated costs.