Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Written Ministerial Statement of 16 November 2016, Update on the British Indian Ocean Territory, HCWS260, on what evidence or needs analysis his Department established the appropriateness of the sum of £40 million to support the Chagossian community.

The Government is aware, through consultations with Chagossian leaders and the wider Chagossian communities, of the difficulties that many Chagossians face in their daily lives, including securing adequate health and social care, and education and employment opportunities. We are also aware of the importance of facilitating an increased heritage visit programme for Chagossians. The support package of approximately £40 million is based on these consultations and aims to address these areas. The package will now be worked up fully in discussion with the Chagossian community and are those who have an interest.