HL Deb 17 February 1997 vol 578 cc450-1

2.46 p.m.

Lord Merrivale asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consideration is being given to enable Gibraltarians to vote and stand for election to the European Parliament through the United Kingdom, under Annex II to the 1976 Act on direct elections.

Lord Inglewood

My Lords, we are well aware of the strength of feeling in Gibraltar about voting in European Parliament elections. However, permitting Gibraltarians to vote or stand in European Parliament elections on behalf of Gibraltar would contravene Annex II to the 1976 European Community Act on Direct Elections. Amending Annex II would require the unanimous agreement of all member states.

Lord Merrivale

My Lords, I thank my noble friend the Minister for that Answer, which was not totally unexpected. Nevertheless, will my noble friend agree that my noble friend Lady Chalker wrote to me on 28th June 1994 saying: The suggestion that Gibraltar might be attached to a UK European constituency is … problematic However, my noble friend did not say that it was impossible. Further, can my noble friend the Minister confirm that the citizens of Gibraltar are United Kingdom nationals for Community purposes?

Lord Inglewood

My Lords, I can confirm that the citizens of Gibraltar are United Kingdom nationals for Community purposes. My noble friend has made some of the points regarding the problems inherent in the proposal he described.

Baroness Blackstone

My Lords, while I accept the Gibaltarians wish to vote in European Union elections, can the Minister confirm that Gibraltar does not contribute to the EU budget and that, therefore, the right of direct representation is a little unclear? Will the noble Lord also comment on how the current system regarding a group of British MEPs representing Gibraltar in the European Union is working?

Lord Inglewood

My Lords, the noble Baroness is right about contributions to the European Union community budget. Gibraltar's foreign affairs are dealt with through the United Kingdom Government. When it is appropriate for representations to be made in the European Parliament as they affect Gibraltar, I understand that this can be done both through UK MEPs and, for that matter, through any other MEPs who might wish to raise such matters.

Lord Kennet

My Lords, is this not another matter where we may look to the Church for guidance and precedence? When I was young—and, for all I know, this is still so—there used to be a Bishop of Fulham and Gibraltar. If there can be such a person, why should there not be a member of the European Parliament for West London and Gibraltar?

Lord Inglewood

My Lords, the point about Gibraltar applies equally, but slightly differently, in the case of the Channel Islands and of the Isle of Man. They all have special and individual constitutional links both with this country and, through this country, with the European Union which underlie their not sending MEPs to the European Parliament. As the noble Baroness, Lady Blackstone, commented, Gibraltar makes no contribution to the European Union budget. Moreover, it is outside the common Customs union, the common fisheries policy, the common agricultural policy and the rules on VAT. Therefore, Gibraltar is not in a position that is identical to anywhere else in which the Community rule applies.

Lord Merrivale

My Lords, I assume my noble friend the Minister agrees that Gibraltar's status is unique within the European Union. Does my noble friend agree that, if Gibraltar's population is less than one-tenth of the average United Kingdom European constituency, further consideration should be given to conferring a franchise on its citizens through the United Kingdom?

Lord Inglewood

My Lords, my noble friend is right about the uniqueness of Gibraltar. Her Majesty's Government are always anxious to ensure that Gibraltar's interests are most effectively represented and carried forward in Europe. We always endeavour to do our best to that end.