The Earl of Dundonaldasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have undertaken a review of the financial regulatory regime in Gibraltar; and whether they consider the regime satisfactory.[HL1726]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanA team of UK-based independent experts, drawn from the UK financial regulatory bodies, conducted a review of the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (FSC) in February 1997, covering the full range of the FSC's activities but focusing in particular on the regulation of insurance services. A further review was carried out in February 1998 by experts drawn from the Financial Services Authority of the regulation of banking services, but not of the regime in general. The reviews identified areas for improvement, but concluded that the structure of the regime was broadly satisfactory.
The Earl of Dundonaldasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they plan to urge change to the financial regulatory regime in Gibraltar.[HL1727]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe financial regulatory regime in Gibraltar is required to adapt continuously to changes in local and European Union legislation, evolving regulatory practices in the United Kingdom and a rapidly changing local economic environment. Guidance on best practice in this field is made available to the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission and other regulatory bodies in Gibraltar by those who are responsible for financial regulation in the United Kingdom.
The Earl of Dundonaldasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether measures to achieve full political integration of Gibraltar into the United Kingdom would offer a solution to the border disputes between Spain and Gibraltar.[HL1728]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanAs the recent White Paper on the Overseas Territories set out, the people of the Overseas Territories should exercise the greatest possible control over their own lives. The current arrangements for Gibraltar offer a very considerable degree of local control over Gibraltar's affairs. We do not think that integration would offer a more appropriate alternative.
The Earl of Dundonaldasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether measures to achieve full political integration of Gibraltar into the United Kingdom would be contrary to the Treaty of Utrecht. [HL1729]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanUnder the Treaty of Utrecht, Spain has the right of first refusal if there were to be a change of sovereignty over Gibraltar. Integration with the United Kingdom would not involve96WA a change of sovereignty and would not therefore be contrary to the treaty.
The Earl of Dundonaldasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have held discussions with representatives of the Spanish government regarding allegations made by Spanish politicians of criminal activity in Gibraltar. [HL1731]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe Spanish Foreign Minister has made a number of allegations about criminal activities in Gibraltar. We have repeatedly asked the Spanish authorities to provide us with evidence of these activities in a form that we can use. They have not yet done so. We will continue to urge better co-operation to deal with any problems in the region that affect us both.
In the margins of the Petersburg Summit, the Spanish Prime Minister's chef de cabinet presented a report listing a number of Gibraltar vessels allegedly involved in illegal activities. The Gibraltar and UK authorities have provided the Spanish authorities with all the information they have on these vessels.
This report, and our subsequent reply, refer to cases which are currently sub judice, and therefore cannot be published. The report does not justify allegations circulated by the Spanish authorities in the Spanish media that Her Majesty's Government or the Government of Gibraltar tolerate illegal activity: we are firmly committed to combat criminal activity.
The Earl of Dundonaldasked Her Majesty's Government:
What measures they are taking to ensure that the recent delays and disruption at the land frontier between Gibraltar and Spain are not repeated. [HL1764]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe have made clear to the Spanish government that such delays are unacceptable, unjustified and counterproductive, and that we look to them to allow movement across the border in conformity with their EU obligations. The Prime Minister has discussed the issue twice with Sr. Aznar. The Foreign Secretary has raised the question on several occasions with his Spanish counterpart. The Ambassador in Madrid has repeatedly raised the issue with the Spanish authorities, including with Sr. Matutes. The UK Permanent Representative to the European Union has brought the matter to the attention of the President of the European Commission. Delays have fallen since the peaks of early February but still remain unacceptably high given the reduced volume of traffic crossing the frontier.
The Earl of Dundonaldasked Her Majesty's Government:
What measure they are taking to prevent illegal fishing in Gibraltar waters. [HL1765]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe enforcement of legislation relating to fishing in British waters around Gibraltar is a matter for the Royal 97WA Gibraltar Police. Since the conclusion in February of an agreement between the Gibraltar authorities and representatives of local Spanish fishermen, which built on an earlier understanding between the Foreign Secretary and the Spanish Foreign Minister, there have been no serious problems.