§ Mr. Dennis TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when(a) he, (b) his Ministers and (c) his officials next plan to meet the Chief Minister of Gibraltar. [21600]
§ Peter HainWhenever this is mutually convenient.
Ministers are always ready to meet the Chief Minister. I had hoped that he would meet me while he was in London last month. The Secretary of State hopes to visit Gibraltar early in 2002. The Governor of Gibraltar meets the Chief Minister on a regular basis.
§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what alternatives to the Brussels Process are under consideration to ensure participation in talks on the future status of Gibraltar by the Government of Gibraltar. [21653]
§ Peter HainI refer my hon. Friend to my statement in Westminster Hall on 7 November 2001,Official Report, columns 88–92WH. The Government believe that talks under the Brussels Process represent the best way to ensure a more secure, stable and prosperous future for the people of Gibraltar.
§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from the US Government on the future status of Gibraltar. [21655]
§ Peter HainNone.
§ Andrew MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his proposals to consult the people of Gibraltar consequent on the completion of negotiations between Spain and the United Kingdom in relation to the terms whereby the consultative process shall be concluded by a referendum. [20537]
§ Peter Hain[holding answer 4 December 2001]: As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and the Spanish Foreign Minister announced following their meeting held in Barcelona on 20 November, the British and Spanish Governments aim to reach by the summer of next year an agreement covering all outstanding issues between them over Gibraltar, including those of co-operation and sovereignty. A copy of the press communiqué has been placed in the Libraries of the House.
Should a comprehensive agreement affecting sovereignty emerge from these Brussels Process discussions, HMG are committed to asserting the wishes of the people of Gibraltar, as stated in the 1969 Order in Council establishing the Gibraltar Constitution. Since the result of such a referendum could trigger the introduction of a primary legislation in 854W the UK, HMG will expect to oversee the organisation and timing of any such referendum, in consultation with the Government of Gibraltar.