§ 15. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Walter Smilesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements are being made for the transfer of the Gibraltarians from Northern Ireland to London; and what are the reasons which are holding up this transfer.
Mr. Creech JonesI hope to make a further announcement at a very early date about the possibility of transferring these people to London.
§ Sir W. SmilesAre displaced persons from Europe now being given preference over British subjects from Gibraltar in the hostel accommodation in London? Also, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is no work for these Gibraltarians in the isolated camps in Northern Ireland where they are now living but that there is any amount of work for them in London?
Mr. Creech JonesMy own views about this are pretty well known. I am most anxious that the Gibraltar people shall be quartered in London and that as speedily as possible they shall be returned to the Colony, Some unexpected difficulties have just arisen and I am trying to clear them out of the way as quickly as possible.
§ Major Peter RobertsMay I ask whether the distress which is being 1970 caused to the friends and relatives of these Gibraltarians back in Gibraltar can be allayed by a statement at the earliest opportunity—I am surprised that it cannot be made today—that accommodation can be provided in London, because the conditions in Northern Ireland are extremely unfavourable and unsatisfactory?
Mr. Creech JonesI know about the conditions in Northern Ireland and I am desperately anxious that these people should be brought to London—
§ Major RobertsHow soon?
§ Sir Ronald RossHow many of these unfortunate people are still left?
Mr. Creech JonesI believe that 300 are on their way back to Gibraltar, or will be very shortly, and that will leave-about 1,000 over.