HC Deb 19 December 1955 vol 547 cc1651-2
48. Mr. Dodds

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what decisions have been made in respect of the visit of Her Majesty's ships to Spanish ports.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. R. H. Turton)

As a result of a decision that units of the Royal Navy should resume visits to Spain, H.M.S. "Triumph" and H.M.S. "Venus" recently paid informal visits to Majorca and Barcelona. It is expected that, with the agreement of the Spanish Government, visits to other Spanish ports will take place next year.

Mr. Dodds

Is it not a fact that these visits were discontinued in 1954 as a result of Spain's hostility to the Royal visit to Gibraltar? Will the right hon. Gentleman not bear in mind that Spain continues a ruthless economic blockade of Gibraltar? Can we be assured that we are not going to make these friendly gestures and allow Gibraltar to suffer?

Mr. Turton

It is quite true that these visits were discontinued as a result of manifestations of anti-British feeling. Now that the manifestations are no longer continuing—

Mr. Dodds

They are.

Mr. Turton

—the visits to foreign ports which form part of the normal programme of Her Majesty's ships are being continued, and it is to the advantage of Gibraltar that we should be on good rather than on bad terms with Spain.