To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the government of Mauritius on the creation of a marine protected area around the Chagos archipelago. (317118)

Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials discussed environmental protection and the possible creation of a marine protected area with Mauritian officials in bilateral talks on the British Indian Ocean Territory on 14 January 2009 and on 21 July 2009. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary also discussed the proposal with the Mauritian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in November 2009.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the remit is of the PEW Environment Group in providing services under his Department's contract for public consultation on the proposed marine protected area around the Chagos Archipelago; what the cost to his Department was of that contract; when he expects that group to report; to whom that group will report; and when he plans to publish the outcome of that consultation. (317121)

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not have a contract with the PEW Environment Group. The Group, which is an independent non-profit organisation, is part of the Chagos Environment Network which has advocated the possible creation of a marine protected area in the British Indian Ocean Territory.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consideration his Department has given to pursuing the proposed Marine Protected Area project as a joint initiative with the government of Mauritius. (317696)

Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials discussed environmental protection and the possible creation of a marine protected area with Mauritian officials in bilateral talks on the British Indian Ocean Territory on 14 January 2009 and on 21 July 2009. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary also discussed the proposal with the Mauritian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in November 2009.