44 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's policy on the future of Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29118/01]

The Government welcomes the resumed dialogue between the Spanish and UK Governments on the future of Gibraltar under the Brussels Process. The Brussels Process was inaugurated in 1984 by the then respective Foreign Ministers, Fernando Morán and Geoffrey Howe. Under its terms, talks were aimed at overcoming differences between the UK and Spain over Gibraltar and at promoting co-operation on economic, cultural and aviation matters. It was established that issues of sovereignty would also be discussed under the process.

Talks had been suspended for four years. The British Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, and his Spanish counterpart, Senor Pique, met on 26 July 2001 to relaunch the process. It was decided on that date that a further ministerial meeting would be held in Barcelona on 20 November.