§ 7. Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he has taken to secure an end to the delays in crossing the border between Gibraltar and Spain since the new Administration have taken office in Gibraltar. [53167]
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. David Davis)I saw the border queues for myself when I was in Gibraltar last week, and the delay on that day was well over an hour. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and I have made strong representations to the Spanish Government about the delays, and we will continue to do so as firmly and as often as is necessary to put an end to this disgraceful situation.
§ Dr. MarekWill the Minister do something in the forums of the world to make it clear to other countries that it is not the Spanish position on this matter that it right, but the British and Gibraltarian position on this matter that is right? The Minister could do that by using his diplomatic skills and by using the diplomatic skills of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Will the Minister make a start by raising the issue at the intergovernmental conference later this year?
§ Mr. DavisMy right hon. and learned Friend spoke to the Spanish Foreign Secretary, Mr. Matutes, a little while ago. Since that discussion, there has been an improvement at the border, but it is not good enough because it is not reliable—it has to be reliable to allow the economy of Gibraltar to progress properly.
We have raised the matter with the European Commission, which understands our position, and with other countries in the European Union. We have also raised the issue in other forums—for example, we have stood by Gibraltar in the United Nations. We have taken up this matter in a variety of forums, and we will continue to pursue the interests of Gibraltar as long and as far as is necessary.
§ Mr. ColvinDoes my hon. Friend agree that the introduction and acceptance of European proof identity cards as valid travel documents would be one way to reduce frontier delays at any frontier within the European Union? In this respect, Gibraltar is one step ahead of the United Kingdom—we are still talking about identity cards, but Gibraltar has them. What measures will the Government take to try to persuade the Spanish authorities to accept identity cards as valid travel documents?
§ Mr. DavisMy hon. Friend has a valid point. I have taken up this matter with the European Commission, and it has said that the identity card is acceptable. However, not surprisingly, the Spanish Government have not accepted that, and we are starting that process right now.