HC Deb 24 November 1980 vol 994 cc21-2W
Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he has any plans to meet the Chief Minister and other elected members of the Gibraltar House of Assembly to discuss the Lisbon plan for the lifting of the restrictions which exist at the border post between Gibraltar and Spain.

Sir Ian Gilmour

I have no plans at present to meet either the Chief Minister of Gibraltar or any of the other members of the Gibraltar House of Assembly, but, should a suitable opportunity occur, I should be delighted to see them.

Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Lord Privy Seal what representations he has made to the Spanish Government for the restoration of ferry services between Gibraltar and the port of Algeciras in the province of Cadiz; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Ian Gilmour

We continue to make it clear to the Spanish Government that we hope that they will implement the Lisbon agreement on Gibraltar and restore direct communications between Spain and Gibraltar as soon as possible.

Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Lord Privy Seal what progress has been made in discussions with the Spanish Government on the lifting of the ban on the use of Spanish air space by United Kingdom aircraft when landing at Gibraltar over the Bay of Algeciras; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Ian Gilmour

When my right hon. and noble Friend met the Spanish Foreign Minister in New York on 25 September, he was assured that the Spanish Government intended to implement the Lisbon agreement on Gibraltar as soon as possible.