HC Deb 13 July 1960 vol 626 c1370
5. Mr. R. Edwards

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what was the number of Spanish citizens employed by his Department in Gibraltar on the latest date for which figures are available; what were the average wages paid to Spanish citizens, as compared with rates paid to Gibraltarians; and if he will give comparable figures for 1941.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

1,950 on 1st July, 1960. The average basic pay for Spaniards and for Gibraltarians is 72s. 6d. a week. In addition, both receive a cost of living allowance which is 24s. a week for Spanish personnel and 48s. for Gibraltarians to meet their higher cost of living.

In 1941, 1,827 Spaniards were employed, their average gross pay being 40s. 6d. a week. At that time, there was no difference between the gross pay of Gibraltarians and Spaniards.

Mr. Edwards

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, whilst the rates he quoted are well below British standards, they are more than double the rates paid to shipyard workers in Barcelona, and that 50 Barcelona shipyard workers are on trial today for trying to form a trade union thirteen years ago? Do not the figures quoted for 1941 prove that the Spanish workers employed at Gibraltar were not supporters of the present Foreign Minister of Spain, who tried to stab Britain in the back by opening a second front against Gibraltar—during this nation's greatest danger? [Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Order. That supplementary question is wildly out of order in relation to the original Question.