§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make representations to the Spanish Government to permit British citizens who are tourists in Spain to visit Gibraltar through the border gates between Spain and Gibraltar;
(2) if he will make representations to the Spanish Government to permit British citizens who are not resident in Gibraltar to be granted permission to visit Spain through the border gates between Gibraltar and Spain;
(3) what representations have been made by Her Majesty's Government on the failure of the Spanish Government to allow tourists into and out of Gibraltar through the border gate.
§ Mr. HurdHer Majesty's ambassador at Madrid is in touch with the Spanish Government about the categories of persons whom the Spanish authorities are allowing to cross to and from Gibraltar. The Spanish Government are aware that, while we view any lifting of restrictions as a welcome step in the right direction, we do not regard partial opening of the frontier as a substitute for the full removal of restrictions as envisaged in the Lisbon agreement.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultations took place with the Government of Gibraltar on the hours of opening of the border gate on the Gibraltar side of the border; and what was the outcome of these consultations.
§ Mr. HurdMy right hon. Friend took note of the Gibraltar Government's view, conveyed to him by the Chief Minister, that the gates on the Gibraltar side should be shut overnight. But we believe that it is right to maintain the position that there have never been restrictions on our side. The Gibraltar Government accept that this is a decision for Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has any plans to meet the Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition in the Gibraltar House of Assembly to discuss the situation at the border gates between Gibraltar and Spain; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdMy right hon. Friend has no plans to do so. We are always happy to discuss matters of mutual concern with Gibraltar leaders when the occasion arises.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what agreements Her Majesty's Government have with the Government of Gibraltar concerning consultation with the Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly in Gibraltar on foreign affairs matters which affect Gibraltar.
§ Mr. HurdAs a matter of course and at my right hon. Friend's request the governor of Gibraltar keeps closely in touch with the Chief Minister and, when appropriate, the Leader of the Opposition on foreign affairs matters which affect Gibraltar.