§ Lord Boyd-Carpenter asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ What is the present position in respect of the proposal of the Spanish Government as to the joint use of Gibraltar airport.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Glenarthur)My Lords, it is for the Gibraltar House of Assembly to decide whether it wishes to amend Gibraltar's legislation to permit the implementation of last December's joint declaration on Gibraltar airport. We firmly believe it is in its interests to do so.
§ Lord Boyd-CarpenterMy Lords, can my noble friend confirm that the Gibraltar Government have asked Her Majesty's Government for details of the operation of the agreement and of the proposed system? Can he say whether it has been possible to provide those details?
§ Lord GlenarthurMy Lords, yes. We have already provided a commentary on the Anglo-Spanish declaration on Gibraltar airport which deals with the matter fully.
§ Lord Cledwyn of PenrhosMy Lords, we understand that the new Chief Minister, Mr. Bossano, visited London recently and had talks with the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary. Can the noble Lord say whether the agreement was discussed at those talks, and is he able to say what the results were? Secondly, the Minister referred to the Gibraltar House of Assembly. Can he say when the matter is to be debated there?
§ Lord GlenarthurMy Lords, I understand that this was one of several matters discussed during Mr. Bossano's visit. I am afraid that I am not in a position to give details because essentially the matter is for the people of Gibraltar to decide. Can the noble Lord repeat his second supplementary question?
§ Lord Cledwyn of PenrhosMy Lords, it was whether the Minister can say when the Gibraltar House of Assembly is likely to debate the matter.
§ Lord GlenarthurMy Lords, I apologise. I am afraid that I am unable to say because it is a matter for the House of Assembly to consider. I understand that no deadline has been set on the procedure. The first step is for the House of Assembly to adopt the amendments to the Gibraltar customs and immigration legislation. That would be the legislative vehicle to achieve this, but no time has been set. been set.
§ Lord Cledwyn of PenrhosMy Lords, can the Minister help your Lordships' House by indicating the attitude of the new Gibraltar Administration towards the agreement? Is he able to say whether they are supportive of it?
§ Lord GlenarthurMy Lords, I believe there to be anxieties in Gibraltar. It may be useful if I say to the noble Lord that any concerns about the agreement making concessions on sovereignty are totally invalid. The airport would remain under British control and there are significant economic and commercial advantages for Gibraltar if the declaration comes into force. However, it is a matter for final decision by the Gibraltarians.
§ Lord MolloyMy Lords, will the Minister confirm that the British Government have submitted proposals to which there has been no response and that this must mean that the ball is now firmly in the court of the other side? Is it likely that we shall be told about any response so that the whole position can then be re-examined?
§ Lord GlenarthurMy Lords, the noble Lord is right. The ball is firmly in the court of the people of Gibraltar at the moment. If they reject it the airport agreement will not go ahead and Gibraltar will be unable to benefit from EC aviation liberalisation measures which would otherwise remain unaffected.
§ Lord Boyd-CarpenterMy Lords, can my noble friend say whether the information given by Her Majesty's Government to the Gibraltar Government covers the question of the size of the gate leading from the Gibraltar-owned airport into Spanish territory? Is it to be the kind of gate through which an aeroplane can go or only passengers?
§ Lord GlenarthurMy Lords, as far as I am aware it is not a gate through which an aircraft can pass; it would be for passengers only. And the arrangements for the new terminal relate to that. I shall provide my noble friend with a copy of the commentary which will explain the matter more fully.