§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the closest operational NATO(a) air base and (b) port available to UK forces to Gibraltar is; and if he will make a statement. [17983]
§ Mr. Ingram[holding answer 26 November 2001]: The closest Allied air base to Gibraltar that would be available to UK Gibraltar-based aircraft is Beja in Portugal. The closest Allied port available to UK Gibraltar-based forces is Lisbon, although Portimao, also in Portugal, could be used for smaller ships.
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§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what additional operational restrictions are imposed on(a) Royal Navy and RFA Ships, (b) RAF Aircraft and (c) UK troop deployments (i) on visits to and (ii) returning from Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement. [17980]
§ Mr. Ingram[holding answer 26 November 2001]: There are restrictions on the direct transit of Royal Navy and FRA ships from Gibraltar to a Spanish port or from a Spanish port to Gibraltar. RAF aircraft on visits to and from Gibraltar are not permitted to over-fly Spanish territory with Gibraltar as the destination or as the airport of departure. UK troops on duty are not allowed across the border from Gibraltar to Spain.