§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to refer the dispute over Spanish vessels fishing in British waters around Gibraltar to the International Court at The Hague. [67350]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 25 January 1999]: We have no plans to refer this dispute to the International Court of Justice.
§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has put to the Spanish Government with a view to finding a solution to the current dispute over fishing by Spanish fishing boats in British waters around Gibraltar. [67349]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 25 January 1999]: We have reached an understanding with the Spanish authorities of the situation that had prevailed between 1991 (when the Gibraltar Nature Protection Ordinance was introduced) and 1997 during which Spanish fishermen respected the authority of the Police. We have been seeking, through continuing dialogue with the Spanish authorities, to return to that situation.
§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what British reinforcements have been sent to Gibraltar to enforce the law with regard to fishing in British waters. [67351]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 25 January 1999]: Primary responsibility for enforcing the laws concerning fishing in British waters around Gibraltar lies with the Royal Gibraltar Police. They have not been reinforced from the United Kingdom.