§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the average time taken by a motor car and occupants to cross the border from Gibraltar to Spain in the period 1 to 14 April in the years(a) 1994, (b) 1995 and (c) 1996; what representations he has made to the Spanish authorities on delays in the crossing; and what response he has received. [27071]
§ Mr. David DavisThe relevant figures are:
- 1 to 14 April 1994: frequent delays of 30 to 45 minutes, up to a maximum of 90 minutes.
- 1 to 14 April 1995: frequent delays of between one and two hours, up to a maximum of four hours.
- 1 to 14 April 1996: frequent delays of between one and one-and-a-half hours, up to a maximum of three hours.
We have repeatedly made representations to the Spanish Government about the delays at the Gibraltar frontier which remain unacceptable. They are totally disproportionate to the need to make customs and immigration checks.