§ Q6. Mr. Dalyellasked the Prime Minister if he will pay an official visit to the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean.
§ The Prime MinisterI have no plans to do so.
§ Mr. DalyellAre we building a £120 million base in the archipelago?
§ The Prime MinisterAs I told the hon. Gentleman the other day, no facilities have been built in the British Indian Ocean Territory.
§ Mr. Frank AllaunYes, but last Thursday did not the Prime Minister, when asked whether the building of a base in the Indian Ocean was under consideration, avoid giving a clear answer? Will he give a clear answer now?
§ The Prime MinisterI have answered the Question which was put, that no facilities have been built in the British Indian Ocean Territory, and that the arrangement which was made under the agreement reached by the previous Administration with the United States in 1966 was that the whole of these territories would be kept under review by both Governments. That remains the position: there is no change in that.
§ Sir F. BennettHas my right hon. Friend been given any indication whether these questions suggest that the Opposition want a base in the archipelago as an alternative to Simonstown or in addition to it?
§ The Prime MinisterHaving changed their Indian Ocean policy twice, if they 246 are changing it back again, that is welcome.