§ Jeremy CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to receive the constitutional report on the return of the Ilois people to the Chagos Islands. [48617]
§ Mr. BradshawThere is no constitutional report on the return of the Ilois to the Chagos Islands. The results of Phase 2B of the feasibility studies, which will provide detailed assessments of groundwater, soils, fisheries resources and the marine and terrestrial environment, are expected to be available by mid 2002.
§ Jeremy CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to introduce an order to put into effect the provisions of the British Overseas Territories Act 2002 in respect of the Ilois people. [48616]
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§ Mr. BradshawI refer my hon. Friend to the statement that I gave in the House on 13 February during the debate on the Remaining Stages of the Overseas Territories Bill. As stated then, the Nationality Provisions of this Act will become law for the people of all British Overseas Territories, except Cyprus SBAs, on a date of commencement decided by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. This date will be no later than 21 May 2002.
§ Jeremy CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans have been made for the Ilois people to visit the Chagos Islands. [48615]
§ Mr. BradshawWe have given an undertaking to consider, without commitment, facilitating a visit to some outer islands of the territory. We are making inquiries about the practicalities of this with a private shipping company.