§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give full details of the present defence facilities on Diego Garcia and of the expansion proposed by the United States Government.
§ Mr. MasonThe present facilities at Diego Garcia consist of a United States navy radio station, an 8,000-ft. runway which is not capable of taking the larger transport and tanker aircraft fully laden; a natural anchorage restricted in draught and turning room; accommodation for some 450 personnel; and limited aircraft parking space and oil storage facilities.
The previous administration agreed to a limited expansion of the radio station in 1973. The further expansion now proposed will consist of an extension of the runway to 12,000-ft., and the dredging of the lagoon to provide sufficient anchorage for up to about a dozen ships and 550 feet of berthing space. Aircraft parking space and oil storage facilities will be increased to match this expansion, together with 205W accommodation for up to 300 more men. These extended facilities are not intended for permanent accommodation of ships or aircraft, or for major repairs.