§ Mr. Terry LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with the Government of Gibraltar regarding the appointment of the Head of Police in Gibraltar. [30730]
§ Peter Hain[holding answer 28 January 2002]: Under the provisions of the 1969 Gibraltar constitution the Governor is responsible for the internal security of Gibraltar, including the Royal Gibraltar police. The Governor appointed the current Commissioner of the Royal Gibraltar police on 1 November 2001.
§ Mr. Terry LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what evidence the Government have collated regarding Spanish allegations on the level of smuggling out of Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement. [30731]
§ Peter Hain[holding answer 26 January 2002]: We have asked the Spanish Government to make available to us evidence that they have of smuggling. We will investigate such evidence.
235W
§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will secure the support of the Government of Gibraltar for an agreement between Spain and Britain on the future status of Gibraltar before seeking the support of the people of Gibraltar through a referendum. [30698]
§ Peter Hain[holding answer 25 January 2002]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Tarn worth (Mr. Jenkins) on 21 November, Official Report, column 331W. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs stated in the House on 14 January we have invited the people of Gibraltar, represented by the Government of Gibraltar, to take part in the talks under the Brussels Process. The Foreign Secretary and I discussed this further when we saw the Chief Minister of Gibraltar in London on Friday 25 January.
§ Mr. LaxtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if a referendum in Gibraltar on the future sovereignty of the territory will be held before the resumption of talks with Spain under the terms of the Brussels Process. [30621]
§ Peter HainI refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Mr. MacKinlay) on 12 December 2001,Official Report, column 853W.
§ Mr. LaxtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with which organisations he has discussed(a) the replacement of the Governor of Gibraltar and (b) an extension to the present Governor of Gibraltar's period in office. [30619]
§ Peter HainNone. Her Majesty the Queen appoints Governors to all Her overseas territories.