HC Deb 22 December 1982 vol 34 cc604-5W
26. Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will now take steps to restore the native population to Diego Garcia.

Mr. Onslow

There was no "native population" as such on Diego Garcia. The former inhabitants were brought to the island by their employers on a contract basis to work on copra plantations which are now closed.