§ 32. Mr. Dalyellasked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Government were consulted before or after the announcement of the United States' decision to spend approximately £50 million in 1980–81 on the further build-up of the facilities at Diego Garcia, for the seven pre-positioning ships, carrying equipment and fuel to support a United States marine brigade of 14,000 men; and what future plans exist to strengthen the runway to allow B52 aircraft to take off with heavy bomb loads.
§ Mr. HurdThe Government were consulted before the announcement of United States plans to expand the facilities on Diego Garcia in 1980–81, including facilities to accommodate seven converted merchant ships with equipment for use by troops deployed to the area in an emergency. We have also been approached recently about plans for a further expansion programme, such as improvements to the airfield, which are still the subject of consultation between the two Governments.