Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Monday, 19 October 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 October 1998. It was answered by Baroness Quin (Labour) on Monday, 26 October 1998 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, on which occasions this year the Royal Gibraltar Police have intervened with (a) Spanish fishermen and (b) Spanish armed forces or law enforcement agencies in relation to infringement of Gibraltarian waters.

Answer: Mr. Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on which occasions this year the Royal Gibraltar Police have intervened with (a) Spanish fishermen and (b) Spanish armed forces or law enforcement agencies in relation to infringement of Gibraltarian waters. [55979] Ms Quin: There has been an increase in incursions into British waters around Gibraltar by Spanish fishermen since the beginning of this year. The Royal Gibraltar police has routinely requested vessels fishing illegally in British waters around Gibraltar, both Spanish and other, to refrain from doing so. In extreme cases, offenders have been arrested. Spanish military or law enforcement vessels entering British waters, unless exercising a right of innocent passage or co-operating with the Gibraltar authorities, are routinely asked to leave.

Secondary information