§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Defence if the £1 million paid recently for three Indian Ocean islands was included in the Defence Estimates; from whom they were bought; how they are to be defended in view of the reduction of British forces in the Far East; and what was the purpose of the purchase.
§ Mr. HealeyYes. The freehold of the island of Desroches was acquired from M. Delhomme, of Farquhar from M. Moulinie, and of islands of the Chagos Archipelago from Chagos-Agalega Ltd. Full account has been taken of the defence of these islands in considering the current reductions of our forces in the Far East. For the purpose of the purchase, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to a Question by the hon. Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. Eldon Griffiths) on 12th April.—[Vol 744, c.181–2.]
§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Defence what expenditure it is estimated will be made on construction and equipment work at the three Indian Ocean islands recently purchased by Great Britain.
§ Mr. HealeyThe cost of facilities would depend on their nature. No decisions have yet been taken.