Sir Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make it her policy to pause the passage of the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill until after the (a) release and (b) full assessment of the Peter Mandelson files by the Intelligence and Security Committee.  [111415]

[Due for Answer on 11 February. Answered on 2 March.]

ANSWER

The Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories (Stephen Doughty): The Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill is essential for the protection of the UK's national security. Timings will be announced in the usual way.