§ Lord Kilclooneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What restrictions the Spanish Government have applied to tourist boats which visit Gibraltar; what representations they have made to Spain; and whether such restrictions are consistent with Spain's obligations as a member of the European Union. [HL3258]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanIn April and May, a number of cruise ships were denied entry to Spanish ports, or told that they would be denied entry, if they called at Gibraltar first. My right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary told the Spanish Foreign Minister, Senor Moratinos, on 20 May that we regarded Spanish interference as unacceptable and illegal. Since 21 May, there have been no incidents that have come to the Government's attention. The 139WA Foreign Secretary has written to Senor Moratinos to underline the need to avoid any repetition of these actions. We continue to seek a permanent solution to this issue, and have asked the Commission to look into these incidents.