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Diego Garcia: Military Bases

Asked by James CartlidgeConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 23 June 2025UIN 59815

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Article 10, Clause 1 of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia [CS Mauritius No.1/2025], if he will estimate the cost of employing Mauritian nationals to be employed as contractors on the Base.

Answered by Luke Pollard

As set out in the 1966 UK-US Exchange of Notes, including the 1976 amendment, the Government of the United States shall bear the cost of developing, operating and maintaining the facility. Mauritian nationals who are employed as contractors in existing roles will not result in any additional costs to the UK or US.

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