§ Mr. AustinTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to allow the Chagos islanders to visit their homeland; and if he will make a statement.[80803]
§ Mr. Fatchett[holding answer 16 April 1999]Any person who wishes to visit the Chagos islands can apply for a permit to do so and each application will be considered on its merits.
§ Mr. AustinTo 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.