§ Mr McNamaraasked the Lord Privy Seal what recent discussions have been held with the Government of Mauritius concerning the resettlement of the inhabitants evacuated from Diego Garcia.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Lord Privy Seal how much money has been disbursed to the former inhabitants of Diego Garcia; how much is still outstanding; and what is its real value in 1980 terms.
§ Mr. LuceThe Government of Mauritius have paid out almost £936,000 consisting of Her Majesty's Government's grant of £650,000 in 1973 and interest accrued up to disbursement. Only an insignificant sum remains undistributed.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Lord Privy Seal what is the present state of negotiations between Her Majesty's Government and the former inhabitants of Diego Garcia; and whether any offer made by Her Majesty's Government is based on receiving an undertaking from the inhabitants that they will not return to the Chagos archipelago.
§ Mr. LuceIn November 1979 the legal representative for the Ilois community presented to them Her Majesty's Government's offer of £1.25 million. We understand it is still under consideration.
Since the main object of the offer is to facilitate the resettlement of the former islanders in Mauritius, those who accept will be required to abandon any claim to return to the Chagos archipelago.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will publish in the Official Report the list of projects initiated as a result of his Department's initiative to rehabilitate the former inhabitants of Diego Garcia in employment, housing, education, medical and social welfare.
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§ Mr. LuceHer Majesty's Government's grant to Mauritius was not used for new projects but was distributed in cash to the former islanders in accordance with the wishes of the majority. Help was given with reception, accommodation and employment. The islanders benefit from the full range of Mauritius Government educational, medical and social welfare services.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Lord Privy Seal what further discussions he has had with the United States Government on their use of Diego Garcia's base since the Russian invasion of Afghanistan what is the present United States force on the island; what facilities there are; and what intentions the United States Government have to expand them.
§ Mr. LuceMy right hon. Friend has not had discussions, but talks on the facilities took place at official level in late January. At present there are approximately 1,900 United States Service personel on Diego Garcia, the majority being involved in construction work. Facilities consist of an anchorage, airstrip, support and supply elements and ancillary services, personnel accommodation, and transmitting and receiving services. Current American proposals envisage the improvement of the handling and staging capacity of the existing facilities. Details of the proposals will be subject to continuing discussion between our two Governments.