Written question asked by Julian Lewis (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 November 2000. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Monday, 13 November 2000 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make a statement about the return of displaced islanders to Diego Garcia.

Answer: Dr. Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the return of displaced islanders to Diego Garcia. [137915] Mr. Battle: We have decided to accept the ruling of the Court. The Ilois are now able to return to the outer islands of the British Indian Ocean Territory. Our first priority is to press ahead with the technical work we have in hand to assess the feasibility of settlement on those islands. In the meantime we will be open to discussion with the Ilois community about the practicalities of any return. We will also be consulting the Governments of the United States and Mauritius about the implications of the judgment.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 356 c510W; 137915
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: British overseas territories British Indian Ocean Territory Judgements Mauritius Diego Garcia USA Resettlement Chagossians
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk