HC Deb 04 February 1999 vol 324 c703W
Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Spanish fishermen crossing the boundary between Spanish and Gibraltarian territorial waters without authority and his related discussions with the Spanish Government. [69155]

Ms Quin

We do not know of any incident in which Spanish fishermen crossed the border between Spain and Gibraltar without authority. On 29 and 30 January, there were demonstrations by Spanish fishermen on the Spanish side of the border which led to the border crossing being closed. While we respect the right of the Spanish fishermen to demonstrate near the border if they wish to do so, there can be no justification for demonstrators obstructing and delaying innocent travellers. We have pursued the matter with the Spanish authorities and have urged them to make it possible for movement across the border to take place in conformity with EU obligations.

Mr. Howard

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Spain in response to indications that border restrictions may be imposed on Gibraltar following the arrest of Spanish fishermen. [69095]

Ms Quin

We have made it clear to the Spanish authorities that there can be no justification for restrictions on movement across the border between Spain and Gibraltar. We look to the Spanish Government to allow movement across the border in conformity with EU obligations.

Mr. Howard

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set out details of discussions on the issue of fishing rights which took place with the Spanish Government in October and the terms of any agreement reached. [69096]

Ms Quin

In October 1998, there was a series of confrontations in the waters around Gibraltar. We discussed these with the Spanish Government. We agreed with the Spanish Government that we should seek to revert to the more harmonious situation that had prevailed between 1991 and 1997. We reached an understanding on what that situation had involved.