§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 7 February,Official Report, column 14, what is the name of the conservation consultant for the British Indian Ocean Territory; what resources have been made available for this consultant; and what plans there are to reduce the military presence on the British Indian Ocean Territory at Diego Garcia.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe consultant's name is Mr. J. M. W. Topp. He has the full support of the authorities of the British Indian Ocean Territory and regularly visits the territory. Mr. Topp has access to all scientific data gathered from previous expeditions to the area and has been provided with a computer and related software. Mr. Topp is working closely with Warwick university on a conservation management plan for the territory.
There are no plans to reduce the military presence on Diego Garcia.