Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask Her Majesty's Government on what basis they have paid £1 million in compensation to 33 former members of EOKA; on whose authority such a payment was made; and what assessment they have made of the impact of that compensation payment on the families of the British servicemen killed by EOKA.

The Ministry of Defence and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, without admission of liability, have settled the claims in order to draw a line under this litigation, to avoid the further escalation of costs, which would ultimately be borne by the taxpayer, and focus on future relations with Cyprus. This course of action was authorised by Ministers in both Departments.

Her Majesty’s Government reaffirms its highest respect for the memory and sacrifice of British and Cypriot Service personnel and employees of the Crown who gave their lives, who lost family members or loved ones, or whose lives suffered permanent disruption as a result of the Emergency.