§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has received from the Spanish Government on allegations that British aircraft are flying into an area in the Bay of Gibraltar which is claimed by the Spanish Government to be Spanish air space; and what was the content of his reply;
(2) if he will make a statement on the present position regarding the air space used by aircraft while arriving or leaving the Gibraltar airfield.
§ Mr. WhitneySince 1967, when the Spanish Government established their prohibited air space, they have made representations on a number of occasions about flights by British aircraft. Part of the Spanish prohibited airspace is contiguous to Gibraltar airspace. We have consistently objected to the establishment of the prohibited airspace. We have urged the Spanish authorities to take early steps, in the interests of air safety, to adjust its application in such a way as not to impede the safe and effective use of Gibraltar airport. All aircraft landing and taking off at Gibraltar avoid, where possible, penetration of Spanish airspace subject always to the necessities of air safety.