HC Deb 20 November 2001 vol 375 cc191-2W
Jeremy Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions have been held by the the British High Commission in Mauritius with representatives of the Chagos islanders.

Mr Bradshaw

The British High Commissioner in Mauritius met with the Chairman of the Chagos Refugee Committee and his advisers in Port Louis on 12 November.

Jeremy Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent visits to the Chagos islands have been made by officials of the British Indian Ocean Territories during the current calender year; and if he will make a statement. [16675]

Mr. Bradshaw

MOD staff and UK military personnel have visited this calendar year but not officials of the British Indian Ocean Territory Government.

Jeremy Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to receive the environmental impact assessment report on potential future settlement of the Chagos Islands by its former inhabitants and their descendants. [16676]

Mr. Bradshaw

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 28 June 2001,Official Report, column 164W. Phase 2 of the feasibility studies remains on target and we expect it to be completed by mid-2002.

Jeremy Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions his Department has held with representatives of the Chagos islanders concerning their legal rights of return. [16673]

Mr. Bradshaw

We have maintained a regular dialogue with various members of the Ilois community and their lawyers.