HC Deb 05 June 1997 vol 295 c216W
Dr. Marek

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will propose the enfranchisement of the Gibraltarians in the European Union. [2015]

Mr. Doug Henderson

We are aware of the strength of feeling in Gibraltar about this issue. But there are real legal and practical difficulties in the way of any change in the present position on voting in the European Parliament elections.

Dr. Marek

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 2 June,Official Report, column 82, if he will seek at the European Council to free Gibraltar airport from Spanish-imposed constraints. [2092]

Mr. Henderson

The principal purpose of the European Council is to conclude the IGC. It is not an appropriate forum in which to raise the issue of Gibraltar airport.