Written question asked by Christopher Gill (Conservative) on Tuesday, 9 December 1997, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 December 1997. It was answered by Lord Reid of Cardowan (Labour) on Thursday, 18 December 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, in what circumstances NATO'S Joint Sub-Regional Command (Madrid) will be responsible for the operational command of Gibraltar.

Answer: Mr. Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what circumstances NATO's Joint Sub-Regional Command (Madrid) wil be responsible for the operational command of Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement. [20475] Dr. Reid: NATO's Joint Sub-Regional Commands, once implemented, will have no permanently established boundaries or areas of responsibility. Regional Commanders will be able to propose the establishment of areas of responsibility for particular Joint Sub-Regional Commands in specific contingencies or missions. Such proposals will require the approval of all NATO nations. The defence and security of Gibraltar are, and will remain, the direct responsibility of the United Kingdom.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 303 c277-8W; 20475
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Armed forces Defence Deployment International cooperation Gibraltar NATO Spain Madrid