asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have taken note of the statement by Mr. Rauf Denktas after his election as President of the unilaterally declared "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" that Turkish Cypriots would never accept terms that would weaken their situation or negate the guarantees of their motherland; what is their attitude to this declared republic; and whether they will raise in the United Nations Security Council the need for action to prevent the establishment of two independent states in Cyprus.

We do not recognise the "TRNC" and do not therefore recognise any so-called constitutional developments in Northern Cyprus. In accordance with the mandate given to him by the United Nations Security Council, the United Nations Secretary-General is continuing his efforts to find a settlement which would lead to a unified federal state in Cyprus. He has our full and active support.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they intend to ratify the United Nations Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.

The Government have decided to ratify this convention. Our ratification will be accompanied by various declarations and reservations. We do not envisage that it will be necessary to make changes to United Kingdom legislation to enable the United Kingdom to ratify. Before our instrument of ratification can be deposited we have to consult the Dependent Territories, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man to ascertain whether they wish to be included in our ratification, and, if so, with what declarations and reservations. We are now doing this. I have arranged to have copies of our declarations and reservations placed in the Libraries of both Houses.