§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will meet a delegation of West Sussex Social Services councillors and hon. Members to discuss the situation regarding the Chagossians in West Sussex; [156188]
(2) what discussions he has had with West Sussex County Council regarding the settlement of Chagossians in West Sussex; [156189]
(3) for what reasons he has not paid the costs of West Sussex Social Services relating to the settlement of Chagossians in West Sussex; and if he will do so. [156190]
§ Mr. RammellI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 6 November 2003,Official Report, column 891W. My officials remain in contact with the Department of Health and the Department for Work and Pensions on this issue. Officers from the Department of Health have already met with West Sussex County Council to discuss the situation and offer constructive advice, and both Departments have stated that they will continue to work with the council to address the matter.
No final decision on the situation of the Chagossians in the UK, including the payment of costs, can be taken until the judicial review proceedings are complete.