HL Deb 06 November 1996 vol 575 cc639-40

3.18 p.m.

Lord Merrivale asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the 1987 Gibraltar Airport Agreement has been updated; and what steps they are taking for a single market to apply in aviation to Gibraltar.

Lord Chesham

My Lords, the 1987 Joint Declaration concerning the Gibraltar Airport Agreement has not been updated. We are prepared to listen to any ideas from the Government of Gibraltar concerning the development of the airport. Any practicable solution which all parties could agree would be welcome. This would open the way for EC aviation liberalisation measures to apply to Gibraltar.

Lord Merrivale

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for his Answer which seemed fairly satisfactory. Will he confirm that Spain is still insisting upon joint control under the airport agreement, thereby not accepting joint use with consultation on working arrangements? With no updating, is there to be no open access to the air routes within the EU for Gibraltar? If that is so, is it not time that termination of the agreement be considered seriously.

Lord Chesham

My Lords, we are hopeful that an airport agreement can be concluded. It is a difficult and unusual situation in that it takes three to tango. There is no need to terminate the agreement. We have already said that we will not impose it on Gibraltar unless Gibraltar is perfectly happy that it should come into place.

Lord Boyd-Carpenter

My Lords, do the Spanish Government still seek to interfere with the operation of the airport?

Lord Chesham

My Lords, the Spanish Government insist that the existing declaration should first be implemented before it can be amended. That will not be imposed on Gibraltar. Gibraltar does not want it and therefore it will not take place.

Lord Merrivale

My Lords, can my noble friend answer my first question as to whether Spain is still insisting on joint control of the airport?

Lord Chesham

My Lords, the existing declaration, which covers joint control, will not be imposed on Gibraltar but Spain is insisting that it is first implemented. Therefore, by inference, it continues to insist on joint control.

Lord St. John of Bletso

My Lords, I fully support the approach of the noble Baroness, Lady Chalker, in reply to the noble Lord, Lord Merrivale, last Monday that quiet diplomacy is needed in the delicate negotiations over the future of Gibraltar. Does the Minister agree that the approach of the new Chief Minister, Mr. Caruana, to curbing drug and tobacco traffic between Gibraltar and Spain is to be welcomed, and that unless the airport agreement is updated any chance of Gibraltar developing itself into a financial centre will be substantially curbed?

Lord Chesham

My Lords, yes, I agree that the atmosphere in Gibraltar has greatly improved. It would be of great economic value to Gibraltar if the airport could be freed up and we would definitely welcome any proposals which would make that effective.

Lord Monson

My Lords, is it not contrary to international treaties to prevent the civil aircraft of friendly countries from over-flying one's territory?

Lord Chesham

My Lords, I would need notice of that question.