asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if any covenants or restrictions have been placed on the use of Diego Garcia by United States forces; and if Her Majesty's Government would be consulted or informed before they were used in military operations undertaken by decision of the United States Government.

The use of Diego Garcia is at present governed by the Diego Garcia Agreement 1972 which gives the United States Government the right to operate a limited naval communications facility there. Any use of the island by United States forces going beyond the terms of this agreement would require the agreement of Her Majesty's Government.