§ 36. Mr. G. Jegerasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the recent trade talks with the Spanish Government included a request for raising the Spanish restrictions on trade and traffic with Gibraltar.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithCertain questions affecting supplies to Gibraltar were raised during the recent trade talks and the Spanish authorities have adjusted the exchange rate applicable to exports of fruit and vegetables over the land frontier into Gibraltar. As regards traffic between Spain and Gibraltar. I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs yesterday.
§ Mr. JegerIs the Minister aware that there is a great deal of dismay in Gibraltar that their legitimate interests are being disregarded by the Government here when they embark on discussions with the Spanish Government? Will he bear in mind that Gibraltar, one of the most loyal of our Colonies, is very apprehensive about the way in which this Government appear to be making concessions to Spain at the expense of Gibraltar?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithIf there are feelings in Gibraltar such as the hon. Gentleman suggests. which I do not necessarily accept, they would be based on a misapprehension; for it is clear, from the result of the recent trade talks, that we do have the interests of Gibraltar very much in mind in these matters.