§ Mr. David HeathTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of the United States of America on the future of the Indian Ocean territories. [89676]
§ Mr. Tony LloydWe hold annual bilateral talks at official level, with the United States, to discuss the British Indian Ocean Territory. This year they were held in May. At these talks both delegations agreed on the continuing strategic importance of the defence facility in Diego Garcia, including in operations against Iraq.