HC Deb 11 March 2003 vol 401 cc156-7W
Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the dates on which agreements have been reached with the United States authorities regarding the requirements for the construction of facilities on the British Indian Ocean Territories; and how many separate agreements have been made concerning(a) development of specific areas and (b) technical requirements. [100885]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The agreements that have been concluded with the US authorities relating to the construction of facilities in the British Indian Ocean Territory, including agreements concerning development of specific areas and technical requirements, are the following:

  1. (a) The Exchange of Notes of 30 December 1966 (Cmnd. 3231);
  2. (b) The Exchange of Notes of 24 October 1972 (Cmnd. 5160);
  3. (c) The Exchange of Notes of 25 February 1976 (Cmnd. 6413)

In addition, at various times the UK and US Governments have recorded their understanding regarding the application of the above agreements.

In 2001, certain infrastructure upgrades to the existing US Navy Support Facility on Diego Garcia and its designation as a Bomber Forward Operating Location were agreed. Further infrastructure upgrades were also agreed in 2002.