HL Deb 02 March 1999 vol 597 cc1545-7

2.46 p.m.

Baroness Young asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect to issue the White Paper on United Kingdom Overseas Territories announced by the Foreign Secretary in a speech on 4th February 1998.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government intend to publish the White Paper on the Overseas Territories during the week commencing 15th March. The White Paper will provide a comprehensive review of Britain's relations with the Overseas Territories, including the relationship with the Government, their financial regulation and the protection of their rich environmental heritage. The preparation of the White Paper has involved wide-ranging consultation on a broad group of subjects. We believe that our proposals will be welcomed.

Baroness Young

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply and I welcome the fact that the White Paper is to be published in two weeks' time. Is the Minister aware of the great uncertainty which has been created in these countries, particularly over issues such as citizenship and the relationship of the Overseas Territories with the European Union and the question of tax harmonisation, which would have an immense effect on places like the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands, to name but two?

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

My Lords, I am aware of these issues and have discussed them in a number of the Overseas Territories during recent visits. The White Paper will cover a wide range of issues. It was important to consult with the Overseas Territories and with other government departments in Whitehall. I hope that the period of uncertainty to which the noble Baroness refers will soon be over.

Lord Moynihan

My Lords, can the Minister, without anticipating the White Paper, assure the House that it will contain a repetition of British policy that there will be no compromise on sovereignty against the wishes of the people of Gibraltar and that it will therefore effectively be a rejection of the present Spanish proposals for joint sovereignty? Is the Minister prepared today to reject those proposals, which are so demonstrably against the wishes of the people of Gibraltar?

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

My Lords, I do not anticipate that the White Paper will be the vehicle for announcing any change in Her Majesty's Government's policy towards Gibraltar. I am sure that that does not come as a surprise to the noble Lord. Our policy towards Gibraltar remains the same as I have described in previous statements that I have made to your Lordships' House.

Lord Steel of Aikwood

My Lords, is the Minister at least able to assure the House that the White Paper will draw a clear distinction between those territories that are genuinely overseas, in the sense of being remote, and Gibraltar, whose future clearly can be determined within the ambit of the European Union?

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

My Lords, I believe it has already been pointed out that there are differences in the case of Gibraltar. When my right honourable friend announced the intention to publish a White Paper he made it clear that some of the issues would not have a direct bearing on Gibraltar. After all, the question of the right of abode for citizens of Gibraltar has already been decided. I do not wish to anticipate the terms of the White Paper; indeed, I am sure that noble Lords would be very cross with me if I did so. However, I believe that I can give the noble Lord the assurance that he seeks.