HL Deb 04 March 1999 vol 597 cc199-200WA
Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they can confirm the authenticity of the Spanish Government minute of December 1997, in which the Spanish Foreign Minister, Abel Matutes, is reported to have said that the status quo regarding Gibraltar is "unacceptable" to Spain and to have pledged "to continue to prevent Gibraltar from living and prospering at the expense of Spain. [HL1185]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

We have not seen the document.

Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action, if any, they took in December 1997, and what action they have taken subsequently, to inform the Spanish Government that threats to disrupt Gibraltar's economy are unacceptable to the British Government. [HL1186]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

We have made it clear on numerous occasions to the Spanish Government that such a policy is counter-productive and unacceptable.