20 and 21. Mr. W. M. ADAMSONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he will make inquiry as to the threatened expulsion of British citizens from Gibraltar owing to their being involved in the coalheavers' dispute; and what action he proposes to take in the matter:
(2) if he has received reports as to the arrest of 23 men in Gibraltar in connection with the dispute affecting the coal-heavers; and what was the cause of this arrest?
§ Mr. AMERYI have received no information on either point, but I will make inquiry of the Governor.
§ 18. Mr. DUNCANasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any report as to the present situation in Gibraltar regarding the coal-heavers' dispute; whether he can give any information as to any negotiations likely to lead to a settlement; whether there are now any Moors employed to take the place of the men involved in the present dispute: and whether their numbers have increased or decreased?
§ Mr. AMERYI have now received a report from the Governor on the matter from which it appears that, in spite of the efforts at mediation undertaken by the Colonial Government, no settlement of the dispute has so far been reached. I understand that there are no longer any Moors employed to replace the men involved in the dispute.
§ Mr. KELLYIs it a fact that the report indicates that while the Moors have been displaced Spaniards have been brought in to take the place of British citizens?
§ Mr. AMERYNo, Sir; a great part of the work has always been done by Spaniards and others outside the civil area, but I am not sure how many are employed.