HC Deb 06 April 1981 vol 2 c194W
Mr. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Service personnel are stationed on Diego Garcia; and what function is fulfilled by them.

Mr. Speed

Approximately 2,200 United States Service personnel and 30 Royal Navy personnel are stationed on Diego Garcia. Their function is to run the United States support and communications facility on the island. A small portion of the Royal Navy party is responsible for the civil administration of the island.

Mr. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what property and buildings on Diego Garcia are in the ownership of the Crown.

Mr. Speed

The island of Diego Garcia is Crown land. The Crown owns the former copra plantations, and also the British Service club on the island.

Mr. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the source of electrical power for the establishments on Diego Garcia; and what fuel it burns.

Mr. Speed

Electrical power on Diego Garcia is provided by diesel generators.