§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the study of the options for repatriating the Ilois People to the Chagos Islands was commissioned; what it has cost to date; when it will be completed; what epidemiological studies have been undertaken of the displaced Ilois People since their evacuation from their home islands; and if he will place in the Library copies of Government papers relating to the evaluation of such studies. [132049]
§ Mr. BattleThe initial stage of the feasibility study of the physical problems and possible environmental impact of any resettlement in the outer islands of the British Indian Ocean Territory was commissioned in March. The work to date will cost about £55,000. It is being borne by the Government of the territory. The first report, copies of which will be placed in the Library of the House shortly, has identified the need for further study and data collection of issues such as the availability of groundwater. This could take up to 12 months. The timing of more detailed work is uncertain at present. In part it will be influenced by the outcome of the further scientific studies identified by the consultants.
Her Majesty's Government have not undertaken any epidemiological studies in Mauritius of the Ilois.