HC Deb 28 November 1997 vol 301 cc679-80W
Ann Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he or his officials have had recently with their Spanish counterparts concerning (a) the status of Gibraltar in the new NATO command structure and (b) United Kingdom military access to Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement. [18032]

Mr. Doug Henderson

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed this subject with the Spanish Foreign Minster most recently on 21 November in the margins of the Special Employment Summit in Luxembourg, and again on 24 November in the margins of the EU General Affairs Council. Further discussions between UK and Spanish officials took place on 27 November.

Dr. Marek

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the UK and EU enactments that would need amendment for Gibraltarians to be enfranchised for European Parliamentary elections. [18333]

Mr. Doug Henderson

An amendment would be required to the EC Act concerning the election of the representatives of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage, which was annexed to a Council Decision of 20 September 1976. An amendment would also be needed to the UK European Parliamentary Elections Act 1978.