§ Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has made (1) in the European Union Council of Ministers to press Spain to recognise Gibraltar's international dialling code; [160929]
(2) to the European Union competition authorities regarding the handling of internationally dialled telephone calls routed through Spain destined for Gibraltar; and what plans Her Majesty's Government have to take legal action against the Government of Spain in respect of the effect on the Gibraltar economy of Spain's actions with the intention of seeking financial compensation; [160930]
(3) to the European Union competition authorities to ensure that the competition cases relating to the handling of internationally dialled telephone calls routed through Spain destined for Gibraltar are processed speedily; and what plans Her Majesty's Government have to take legal action against the Spanish Government in respect of their instruction to mobile telephone operators not to sign roaming agreements with the Gibraltar mobile telephone company. [160931]
§ Ms HewittHMG are deeply concerned about the problems which Gibraltar is experiencing, including the issue of the handling of internationally dialled, least-cost routed telephone calls destined for Gibraltar, and we are pressing the European Commission and the Spanish Government for an early resolution.
439WThe European Commission, which under the EC Treaty has the primary responsibility for upholding Community Law, is considering two private competition complaints relating to these problems, one of which concerns mobile roaming. HMG are in frequent contact with the Commission on this matter and have made it clear that they support these complaints.
§ Mr. McWilliamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will make representations to the Council of Ministers to press Spain to recognise Gibraltar's international dialling code; [161038]
(2) if he will take action to stop the Spanish Government instructing Spanish mobile telephone companies not to sign roving agreements with the Gibraltar mobile telephone companies. [161034]
§ Ms HewittI refer my hon. Friend to the answer given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Erith and Thamesmead (Mr. Austin) by my hon. Friend the Minister for Europe.