§ 48. Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to make a statement in regard to the proposals for developing the port of Gibraltar; and what other action has been decided upon to give needed assistance in dealing with the economic problems that have arisen.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe Governor of Gibraltar is considering a report by the Port Development Committee, and I am awaiting his recommendations on the details of the scheme and the means of financing it.
In answer to the second part of the Question, Gibraltar was allotted the sum of £500,000 from Colonial Development and Welfare funds made available by the latest Act. Of this £300,000 has been earmarked for port development. It is expected that the bulk of the balance will be spent on housing.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that this consideration has been going on for much too long now? In view of the state of affairs which has developed in Gibraltar, does he not 198 think that there should be some action instead of the fine words which we have had for so long?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI was in Gibraltar a fortnight ago. No such impression prevailed, and they are satisfied that an important task of this kind needs careful planning.