HC Deb 09 July 1990 vol 176 c36W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Prime Minister if she will visit Mauritius in order to ascertain from the Ilois people whether they wish to return to Diego Garcia in the changed military circumstances.

The Prime Minister

No. Those concerned worked on the former copra plantations in the Chagos Archipelago. After the plantations closed between 1971 and 1973 they and their families were resettled in Mauritius and given considerable financial assistance. Their future now lies in Mauritius. The defence facilities in British Indian Ocean Territory continue to make a vital security contribution.