HC Deb 08 April 1982 vol 21 c484W
Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a full statement on the negotiations that took place in March between Her Majesty's Government and the Mauritian Government on the demands of the Ilois, who formerly resided in the Chagos Islands; and if he will publish in the Official Report the terms of any agreement reached.

Mr. Onslow

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Surbiton (Sir N. Fisher) on 1 April by my hon. Friend the Member for Shoreham (Mr. Luce).—[Vol. 21, c.167.]

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if any of the Ilois who were removed from Diego Garcia to facilitate the development of the island for military purposes have been allowed to revisit their home to date.

Mr. Onslow

None of the Ilois have visited Diego Garcia since their resettlement in Mauritius.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish in the Official Report the names of the representatives of the different interests involved who took part in recent talks in Mauritius on the claims of the Ilois, who formerly resided in the Chagos Islands, and indicate the capacity in which each attended.

Mr. Onslow

The British delegation comprised Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials led by Sir Leonard Allinson, KCVO, CMG assisted by Mr. A. D. Watts CMG, deputy legal adviser, Mr. M. W. Hewitt, first secretary, East African department and Mr. J. Clarke of the economic service. The Mauritius delegation, led by Mr. R. Purryag, Minister of Social Security, included:

  • Mr. P. R. L. F. Chong Leung, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.
  • Dr. J. B. David, president of the Mauritius Labour Party.
  • Mr. P. Berenger, general secretary of the Mouvement Militant Mauricien.
  • Mr. B. Bacha, chairman, ad-hoc committee.
  • Mr. K. Ponnusamy, Prime Minister's Office.
  • Mr. A. Nakhuda, Ministry of Economic Planning and Development.
  • Mr. N. Patten, Ministry of Housing, Lands and Town and Country Planning.
  • and
  • Mr. E. Michel.
  • Mrs. C. Alexis.
  • Mrs. L. Naick.
  • Mr. K. Mundil.
  • Mr. C. Ramdas.
  • representing to Ibis community.