Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of the islands in the British Indian Ocean Territory (a) are habitable, (b) were inhabited, (c) are inhabited and (d) are suitable for settlement.
[137408]
Answer
Only one island in the British Indian Ocean Territory is habitable and is currently inhabited—Diego Garcia.
There were five island groups that were inhabited from at least 1,830: Diego Garcia, Peros Banhos, Salomon, Eagle and Egmont. Nelson Island, the Three Brothers, Danger Island, Sea Cow Island were never inhabited, though all were visited for coconuts or turtles.
In April 2000 the British Government commissioned a study to assess to what extent it would be feasible for the outer islands to be re-inhabited. The report concluded resettlement was not feasible. While the short-term habitation for limited numbers on a subsistence basis could be possible, the report emphasised that any long-term resettlement would be precarious and costly. The outer islands, which have been uninhabited for 40 years, lack all basic facilities and infrastructure.