§ Lord Acton asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Whether any arrangements have been made with Spain to unblock the progress of European Community aviation measures in respect of Gibralter Airport. [HL5003]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe have agreed a procedure with Spain and the Commission allowing aviation measures to be unblocked without prejudicing any party's position on sovereignty or affecting day-to-day operations at Gibralter airport. When such a measure is brought forward, the Commission will judge whether or not it places obligations on airports. If so, the Council and Commission will agree to the insertion of the clauses suspending application until the implementation of the 1987 Joint Declaration of the UK and Spain on Gibralter airport, which have featured in previous measures. If not, the text will not be amended. The Transport Council agreed Common Positions on the first measure subject to this arrangement, relating to occurrence reporting and aviation statistics, on 17 June.
We are confident that suspension will have no material impact on the operation of Gibralter airport. We will continue to work with the Government of Gibralter and the authorities at Gibralter airport to ensure that, wherever necessry, equivalent measures are implemented on a national basis.
44WAThe Government believe that this is the best way forward until a long-term solution is found. We have always made it clear that we want Gibralter to enjoy the full benefits of EC aviation measures, as is its right. But, since the 11 September atrocities in particular, it is essential for British and other European air travellers, and the companies concerned, that EC measures to impove the functioning of the aviation sector, and especially to enhance aviation security, are taken forward quickly and effectivley. It would be intolerable if all air travellers were denied the benefit of such measures because of delay caused by disagreement between the UK and Spain over Gibralter, and the refusal of the Government of Gibralter to join discussions to resolve such problems under the Brussels process.