HC Deb 30 January 1957 vol 563 cc967-8
6. Mr. Dodds

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what decisions have been reached in the discussions in respect of the allocation of oil bunkerage space from Government installations in Gibraltar for commercial purposes.

Mr. Galbraith

One of the oil companies primarily concerned in these discussions has recently informed my Department that it is not in a position at present to join in the scheme for commercial sharing of the Admiralty oil bunkering facilities in Gibraltar. The situation arising from this development is being studied in conjunction with the Government of Gibraltar, the Colonial Office and other Departments concerned.

Mr. Dodds

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these discussions were going on three years ago? Will he tell us what has held them up all this time? Is it not a fact that the matter is important to Gibraltar to enable it to compete with the neighbouring Spanish ports?

Mr. Galbraith

The hon. Gentleman is incorrectly informed. The negotiations actually started on 18th January, 1956.

Mr. Dodds

I said that discussions were taking place three years ago.

Mr. Galbraith

Negotiations on a commercial basis were begun on 18th January, 1956. As the hon. Gentleman will appreciate, the condition of the oil industry has recently been disturbed by the international situation, and that is what is causing the delay.