HC Deb 06 June 1956 vol 553 cc1076-7
29. Mr. Dodds

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further representations have been made to Spain in respect of that country's unfriendly attitude to Gibraltar; and what indication of improvement in this connection has been noted.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

Except that it is now possible for foreign residents in Spain to travel to Gibraltar and back via Algeciras there has been no change in the Spanish Government's policy towards Gibraltar since the hon. Member raised this question in the House on 15th February.

Mr. Dodds

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman explain why, for so long, the Government have been so ineffective in looking after the interests of an intensely loyal part of the Commonwealth? Since the Micawber-like policy of the Government has completely failed in this respect, cannot we now have some action which will give hope to our friends and show the rest of the world that it pays to be in the British Commonwealth?

Mr. Lloyd

I think that a number of these restrictions are very petty. We have steadily sought an alleviation, and in one or two respects there has been an alleviation. We shall continue to try to get more.

Mr. Fell

Does not my right hon. and learned Friend think that it is conceivably possible that the extraordinary and unfriendly attitude of the Opposition, and the partially unfriendly attitude of the Government, towards Spain has had some effect upon the unfriendly attitude of Spain toward Gibraltar?

Mr. Lloyd

I shall speak only for the Government. It has been our policy to try to improve relations with Spain, and that has been achieved to a considerable extent. I would hope that the Spanish Government realise that one of the obstacles to an improvement in those relations are the petty restrictions affecting Gibraltar.

Mr. K. Robinson

In view of the fact that Spain's economic existence depends almost entirely upon American dollars, would the Minister consider approaching the United States Government, at least informally, and asking them to associate themselves with our representations to Spain in this matter?

Mr. Lloyd

I really do not think that that would have much effect upon the Spanish Government.