§ 30. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for War on how many occasions during the past 12 months he has authorised invitations to officers of the Spanish army to visit Gibraltar and to view the fortifications.
§ Mr. BellengerNo officers of the Spanish Army have been invited to view the fortifications at Gibraltar during the last 12 months. In accordance with a long established custom senior British officers at Gibraltar and senior Spanish officers at Algeciras have exchanged private visits on changes of appointment.
§ 39. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for War if he will take steps to reduce the size of the garrison in Gibraltar.
§ Mr. BellengerNo, Sir. The garrison has already been reduced to the minimum which is considered necessary for the Colony.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs the Secretary of State aware that it is alleged in a newspaper with which he was once associated that Gibraltar is so stuffed with troops that there is not enough room to train them? Does he categorically deny that allegation?
§ Mr. BellengerI do not think that I should be held responsible for any statement, alleged or otherwise, that is made by a newspaper for which I once worked, but in answer to the second part of that supplementary question I stand by the answer I have given. The garrison has already been reduced to a minimum. If that conflicts with the statement in the newspaper I am sorry for the newspaper.