HL Deb 15 December 1988 vol 502 cc1021-3

3.7 p.m.

Lord Boyd-Carpenter asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is now the position with respect to the proposal of Spanish participation in the operation of Gibraltar Airport.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Energy (Baroness Hooper)

My Lords, the joint declaration of 2nd December 1987, which provided for co-operation over the use of Gibraltar Airport, will not come into force until the Gibraltar House of Assembly amends Gibraltar's existing customs and immigration legislation. The Spanish Government then have up to one year to build a new terminal before new arrangements come into force. We believe it is very much in Gibraltar's interests to implement the joint declaration, but have made clear that we shall not attempt to force them to do so.

Lord Boyd-Carpenter

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that interesting Answer. Is she aware of the fact that many people believe that the prolonged difficulties which have arisen owe a good deal to the action of Her Majesty's Government in not associating the Government of Gibraltar in the negotiations with Spain but presenting them with a fait accompli? Will the Government try to do better next time?

Baroness Hooper

My Lords, the British Government have kept the matter constantly under review with the relevant people in Gibraltar. Meetings have recently taken place and there will be further discussions.

Lord Kilmarnock

My Lords, can the noble Baroness confirm that her Answer means that the situation remains the same as that outlined in the Written Answer given to me by the noble Lord, Lord Glenarthur, on 11th April 1988? He stated that Gibraltar will remain excluded from the air transport liberalisation measures adopted by the European Community on 14th December 1987, until they reach an agreement. Does that remain the position?

Baroness Hooper

Yes, my Lords.

Lord Kilmarnock

My Lords, does that not therefore mean that the Gibraltar Government are failing to implement the Government's policy of becoming more self-supporting by passing over the benefits which would accrue to them from that arrangement?

Baroness Hooper

My Lords, we are hoping that by encouraging the Gibraltar Government to consider this in addition to other benefits which we believe the agreement will bring to the people of Gibraltar, they will see their way to joining in.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, when this matter was last raised in the House it was confirmed by the noble Baroness that the Chief Minister of Gibraltar was to have discussions with her right honourable and learned friend last October. Can she say whether those talks took place, whether this subject was raised and what were the reactions of the Chief Minister to the proposals?

Baroness Hooper

My Lords, the meeting did take place and this topic arose. Other meetings have taken place and further meetings are due to take place on a regular basis to discuss general matters. I am not at liberty to give details of the discussions which took place.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, is the noble Baroness saying that the Government of Gibraltar in the person of the Chief Minister are objecting to this proposal and are making it difficult for it to go through? Does she not agree that it is unlikely that the Assembly will ratify the agreement unless the Government and the Chief Minister are in favour of it?

Baroness Hooper

My Lords, I believe that we can all understand some of the anxieties of the people of Gibraltar but we are trying to convince them of the benefit that this agreement can bring to them while making it absolutely clear that there have been no concessions on sovereignty and that the airport will remain under British control. We hope and trust that they will come round.

Lord Boyd-Carpenter

My Lords, will my noble friend take a little further her original Answer to me and indicate that in the event of future negotiations with Spain, which may well be necessary, the Government of Gibraltar will be associated with them at the time and will not simply be given the results afterwards on a take it or leave it basis?

Baroness Hooper

My Lords, I hesitated in responding to my noble friend's first supplementary question. I believe that a representative of Gibraltar was present during the previous discussions and I see no reason why that should not continue.