§ Lord Merrivaleasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Answer by Viscount Goschen of 24 October 1995 (WA 113), what was the outcome of the western Mediterranean countries' Transport Ministers' two meetings and what has been the response of the Government of Gibraltar to this information.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Viscount Goschen)The result of these meetings was the signing by the six Ministers concerned of a set of conclusions concerning future co-operation in the development of transport systems in the western Mediterranean.
The conclusions included a decision to adopt priority corridors extending the trans-European networks in the direction of the Mediterranean and connecting with the trans-Maghreb networks. They also resolved to facilitate trade and transport, in particular by improving the quality of service in ports and co-operation in air traffic control. The promotion of transport safety and measures to preserve the environment were also included; in particular the development of surveillance and navigational aids for maritime and air navigation, and waste recovery plant at ports. An ad hoc group made up of representatives of the six countries is to be set up to evaluate and promote projects designed to achieve the above objectives.
We are currently in the process of briefing the Government of Gibraltar on the outcome of the discussions and look forward to receiving their views.