Member

Notwithstanding the fact—as the noble Lord, Lord Beamish, helpfully pointed out—that this is directly in conflict with the provisions of the treaty and cannot be accepted, it is remiss of the noble Lord to propose a course of action that prevents us being able to access and maintain equipment in the archipelago. Co-operation with Mauritius on this front is mutually beneficial and would not jeopardise equipment. I remind the Committee of the binding obligation on Mauritius under the treaty not to undermine or jeopardise the operation of the base.