HC Deb 10 April 1986 vol 95 cc163-4W
Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make a statement on the incident which occurred in United Kingdom territorial waters off the Dependent Territory of Gibraltar on 20–21 March involving the Spanish aircraft carrier Dedalo;

(2) what representations were made to the Spanish Government regarding the entry into United Kingdom territorial waters off the Dependent Territory of Gibraltar by the Spanish aircraft carrier Dedalo on 20–21 March; and what reply was received.

Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will report on the encroachment into Gibraltar's territorial waters by the flagship of the Spanish navy Dedalo on 20 March; if he will detail the extent of representations made by Her Majesty's Government to the Spanish Government; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

The Spanish aircraft carrier Dedalo entered Gibraltarian waters at 2344 hours on the night of 20–21 March and departed 15 minutes later at 2359 hours. During that time two helicopters were launched from the vessel. Her Majesty's embassy in Madrid was instructed to protest to the Spanish Government about this incident. This was done after the Easter holiday on 2 April. A Spanish reply was received on 3 April. I am satisfied that the United Kingdom's position has been properly safeguarded.