Clause 13 - The Gibraltar register
European Parliament (Representation) Bill
4:17 pm
Mr William Cash (Stone, Conservative)
I have just heard the word, ''divorced''. It is wonderful to hear that word from a Labour Member. I pay my respects to some of the hon. Members who have contributed from time to time.
The important point is that subsection (2) is, by any standards, draconian. It is no good to say, ''Oh well, we know that it will be exercised responsibly.'' We do not know that it will. Our job, on behalf of the people of Gibraltar, is to question whether the wording is correct. A power that allows the Governor of Gibraltar to revoke the European electoral registration officer's appointment without giving any reasons smacks of ultra-colonialism. That that provision should come from a party that purports to be democratic is a great shame. We find the Labour party repeatedly to be intrinsically undemocratic on constitutional matters.
I cannot say any more than that. I say with regret that the provision is not democratic, and I am bound to put that on record. I hope that the Minister will change subsection (2) in line with the amendment.