Clause 8 - Combination of Gibraltar with existing electoral region
European Parliament (Representation) Bill
9:25 am
Mr William Cash (Stone, Conservative)
1704—the same year as Blenheim.
The fact is that, against that background, the people of Gibraltar, the Chief Minister and others in that territory are simply being snubbed—that is the only word that one can use. Let us imagine that a Bill was introduced that affected people in a similar fashion, but that was outside the domain of the foreign policy questions tied up with Gibraltar and Spain. I would imagine that if there were already an established electorate and an established form of government, it would be inconceivable for there to be no discussions. I may be entirely wrong: that may be how things have been going on for centuries.
I await with interest what the hon. Member for Somerton and Frome (Mr. Heath) has to say, but first let me give a direct example. Were not the ex-colonies, when they were brought to independence with the wind of change, consulted extensively about the manner in which they were to be governed? I expect the answer to be yes. I think it inconceivable that they were suddenly presented with a Bill that said, ''This is the way, and you're going to have to accept it.''
There is an important constitutional question in this regard, because after all the Lord Chancellor has been given, or has taken to himself—I am not quite sure about the relationship between master and pupil in these matters—a huge number of additional responsibilities relating to constitutional affairs. If he falls at the first hurdle, which is to consult properly people whose democratic rights are affected, that is just another accumulated mortal sin.