§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the(a) nature and (b) consequences of the Spanish Gibraltar-related reservation on the designation of competent authorities for the Takeovers Directive; and what representations he has (i) received and (ii) made on the issue. [90396]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyAt the Internal Market Council on 21 June Spain maintained a general reserve on the proposed Takeovers Directive in respect of the designation of authorities for supervising bids in accordance with the Directive. Her Majesty's Government are considering currently whether any change to the relevant clause could be made which would safeguard Gibraltar's rights, while meeting Spanish concerns over the Directive. I have received no representations on this issue. Her Majesty's Government are liaising closely with the Government of Gibraltar and our European partners to find a solution which is acceptable to all parties.