Written question asked by Kevin McNamara (Labour) on Friday, 28 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 March 2003. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Monday, 10 March 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what consultation has taken place with the United States concerning the use of construction labourers on Diego Garcia since 1997; and how many workers from Mauritius and the Seychelles have been employed on such construction projects. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultation has taken place with the United States concerning the use of construction labourers on Diego Garcia since 1997; and how many workers from Mauritius and the Seychelles have been employed on such construction projects. [100887] Mr. Mike O'Brien: Matters relating to the workers employed on Diego Garcia by the US contractors are regularly discussed between the United Kingdom and United States authorities at all levels. The number of workers fluctuates from year to year and within any given year. Currently, about 40 Mauritian workers are employed by US contractors on Diego Garcia. No workers have been engaged from the Seychelles for many years.

Secondary information