asked the Lord Privy Seal what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding the rights of former inhabitants of Diego Garcia, Salamon and Peros Bunhos to return to their homeland.

The former population of the islands was largely composed of migrant plantation workers. The plantations have now been closed and Her Majesty's Government have made them an offer of £1·25 million as compensation for displacement in exchange for an undertaking that they will not return to the Chagos Archipelago.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what are the latest offers of compensation made to former inhabitants of Diego Garcia, Salamon and Peros Bunhos, who were removed from their homes to Mauritius a number of years ago; and what conditions have been attached to them.

In November 1979 Her Majesty's Government made an offer of £1·25 million, which we understand is still under consideration. Acceptance of the offer requires principally an acknowledgement that it is in full and final settlement of all claims on the British Government and the abandonment of any claim to return to the Chagos Archipelago.