§ Mr. Newensasked the Lord Privy Seal if former inhabitants of the Chagos Islands will be allowed to return to their former homes in any circumstances; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuceMy right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the hon. Member for Harlow on 11 July, 1980 that when the Chagos Islands were no longer required for defence purposes they would revert to Mauritius. In that event, the question of the islanders' return would be a matter for the Government of Mauritius.
§ Mr. Newensasked the Lord Privy Seal what further steps he is planning to take with the objective of reaching agreement with representatives of former inhabitants of the Chagos Islands on claims relating to their removal from their homes to facilitate the construction of defence facilities by the British and United States Governments.
§ Mr. LuceHer Majesty's Government believe that an early agreement is strongly in the interest of the former islanders. Discussions to this end continue through diplomatic channels.