HL Deb 21 November 1991 vol 532 cc1015-7

3.27 p.m.

Lord Merrivale asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the present position of Gibraltar in relation to the provisions of the draft convention between the member states of the European Communities on the crossing of their external frontiers.

Lord Cavendish of Furness

My Lords, Article 30.5 of the draft External Frontiers Convention text makes it clear that the convention, once in force, would apply to Gibraltar, as to every other territory which enjoys the Community's provisions on the free movement of persons. Spain, however, has refused to sign the convention on this basis and is negotiating with us to resolve the issue. We shall continue to argue for Gibraltar's inclusion in the convention.

Lord Merrivale

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply. However, can he allay the fears expressed in the House of Assembly in Gibraltar last week by giving an assurance that, in any agreement with Spain, the terms of inclusion in the convention for Gibraltar will not in any way lessen its present standing within the Community? Full membership is crucial to the future of Gibraltar.

Lord Cavendish of Furness

My Lords, I accept fully what my noble friend says about full inclusion being essential. I am aware of the motion put down by Dr. Valarino on 31st October. I can tell my noble friend that that will be debated in the House of Assembly on 4th December. We are determined to see that Gibraltar is included within the convention.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, does the noble Lord's initial reply mean that Her Majesty's Government will not sign the convention unless it is clear that Gibraltar is included on the same terms as everyone else? Can he say when Her Majesty's Government last discussed the matter with the Spanish Government?

Lord Cavendish of Furness

My Lords, I can foresee no circumstances in which we could envisage Gibraltar's exclusion. As I said, we are determined to secure Gibraltar's inclusion as is its right. Discussions with the Spaniards continue. Indeed, I believe there was a meeting only yesterday.

Lord Boyd-Carpenter

My Lords, can my noble friend say whether the Spanish Government continue to maintain their ban on the ferry service from Algeciras to Gibraltar?

Lord Cavendish of Furness

My Lords, I am afraid that I do not have the answer. The Question before the House concerns the, draft convention between the member states of the European Communities on the crossing of their external frontiers. However, if my noble friend cares to table a Question on the matter, I shall be happy to answer it.

Lord Bruce of Donington

My Lords, as this question is intimately bound up with the airport situation, can the noble Lord say whether, as a result of a recent visit by the Minister of State to Gibraltar, that issue is anywhere near resolution?

Lord Cavendish of Furness

My Lords, the air liberalisation directive issue is a separate one. It does not concern the matter under discussion. It would be a mistake to try to combine them.

Viscount Montgomery of Alamein

My Lords, does my noble friend agree that any difficulties over Gibraltar in our discussions with Spain should not in any way impede the ever-increasing trade with the latter since it joined the Community?

Lord Cavendish of Furness

My Lords, I cannot give any guarantees, but I hope that we do nothing to discourage trade between our two countries.

Lord Merrivale

My Lords, while I hope that the convention will soon be signed and that Gibraltar will he a full member of the Community, does my noble friend agree that there are many provisions in the convention which are of importance to Gibraltar? In particular, does he agree that the provisions contained in Article 8 of the draft convention are important to Gibraltar in the context of developing business visits and tourism as those provisions enable non-EC nationals lawfully resident in the Community to make short visits without having to obtain a visa?

Lord Cavendish of Furness

My Lords, I am not familiar with that article. I shall have to write to my noble friend. I recognise the force of his arguments and the significance of what he says.