Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the base on Diego Garcia has been used by United Kingdom forces in the Gulf; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorIt is not our practice to comment on operational matters.
Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) whether the United States of America used the base at Diego Garcia to reinforce its armed forces in the Gulf prior to August; and if he will make a statement;
(2) whether United States minesweeper helicopters are permanently based on Diego Garcia; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorIt is not our usual practice to comment upon details of operations by United States forces.
Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any United Kingdom minesweeping helicopters are permanently based on Diego Garcia; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorThe Royal Navy does not have any minesweeping helicopters.