Written question asked by John Austin (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 April 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 April 1999. It was answered by Derek Fatchett (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 April 1999 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 assessment he has made of the demand of the Chagos islanders to return to their homeland following the recent High Court ruling on this matter; and if he will make a statement. - (Holding answer 16 April 1999).

Answer: Mr. Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the demand of the Chagos islanders to return to their homeland following the recent High Court ruling on this matter; and if he will make a statement. [80802] Mr. Fatchett: [holding answer 16 April 1999]: The recent High Court ruling concerned an application for leave to apply for a Judicial Review. Leave was granted and in due course the case will be heard by the full Divisional Court. In the meantime, it will be inappropriate for the Government to comment further.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 329 c511W; 80802
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: British Indian Ocean Territory Immigration Nationality Chagossians High Court Emigration Resettlement