§ Mr. WattsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure that Gibraltarians can vote in the 2004 elections to the European Parliament. [19998]
§ Peter HainWe unequivocally accept the obligation to give effect to the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Matthewsv. UK and we are committed to extending the European franchise in time for the 2004 elections to the European Parliament. To this end, we will be seeking legislative time in order to bring in the necessary domestic legislation. We will, of course, consult the Government of Gibraltar on the legislative and practical details.