§ Mr. A. V. Alexander(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the statements made at a military parade at La Linea on the outskirts of Gibraltar on Sunday last by General Queipo de Llano uttering threats against Great Britain in relation to Gibraltar; whether His Majesty's Government have made representations to the Spanish Insurgent authorities; and whether it is proposed to take immediate steps to strengthen the garrison at Gibraltar?
§ The Prime MinisterI have seen the accounts of the statements referred to which have appeared in the Press. I am asking for a report on the accuracy of these accounts, on receipt of which I will consider what importance should be attached to these alleged statements.
§ Mr. AlexanderAre we to understand from that reply that information which has been supplied by a tried correspondent, whose previous telegrams have been proved to be well-founded and true, has not reached His Majesty's Government, including the statement that justices of the peace and other officials at Gibraltar were present on the occasion?
§ The Prime MinisterI have no reason to doubt the accuracy of the reports, but I think that before considering any steps to be taken it is just as well to get official confirmation.
§ Mr. JaggerWill the Prime Minister consult with the newly-appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour, who will probably be able to tell him?
§ Mr. AlexanderIs the Prime Minister aware that it is very disturbing that 48 hours after this event the Government can give no information about this matter at all, and does that mean that their Consular or representative service in Gibraltar is not functioning?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, it does not mean any of those things.
§ Mr. H. G. WilliamsIs there a British Consul stationed in any part of His Majesty's Dominions?