§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions the Spanish Government have objected to a separate Gibraltar presence at talks concerning affairs in the colony. [12612]
§ Mr. David DavisThe Spanish Government have always objected to Gibraltar's representatives forming a separate delegation at Brussels process talks. However, they have also made clear that they would welcome the participation of Gibraltar's representatives as part of the British delegation. Sr. Matutes repeated this on 22 January in talks with my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.
§ Mr. BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent contacts there have been with the Spanish Government concerning Spanish recognition of British passports issued in Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement. [12618]
§ Mr. David DavisMy right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs raised this issue when he met the Spanish Foreign Minister in Madrid on 22 January. The Spanish Government reaffirmed that they have never questioned, nor shall question, the right to free movement of Gibraltarians throughout the EU and shall always act in accordance with EU law. We welcome this assurance. We have offered to set up a committee of experts to discuss a number of outstanding technical points concerning non-EU passports issued in Gibraltar.