Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultation there has been between his Department and its counterparts in the United States of America concerning the United States bases in Diego Garcia, following the publication of the national security strategy of the United States in March.
§ Mr. WaldegraveWe have continued our traditional process of close consultation with the United States authorities over the United States navy support facility on Diego Garcia.
Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement outlining any progress made towards returning Diego Garcia to Mauritius.
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§ Mr. WaldegraveThe position remains that the territory will be ceded to Mauritius when it is no longer required for defence purposes. In present circumstances the defence facilities in British Indian Ocean territory continue to make a vital security contribution and we envisage no change in the status of the territory in the foreseeable future.
Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultation there has been between his Department and the relevant departmental ministers in the United States concerning overflights on Diego Garcian territory.
§ Mr. WaldegraveWe consult fully the US authorities on overflights whenever the need arises.