§ 36. Mr. Jegerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction in Gibraltar 878 that the expressions of good will and co-operation between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of Spain are not being accompanied by practical steps towards better relations at the Spanish frontier with Gibraltar; and what action he proposes to take to safeguard the interests of this Colony.
§ 37. Mr. Hunterasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the concern of the people of Gibraltar at the continuing unfriendly attitude of the Spanish Government; and what action is being taken by Her Majesty's Government to improve the situation.
§ 38. Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking within Gibraltar to protect the internal interests of the Colony, in view of the fact that they have suffered as a result of the lengthy duration of the unfriendly attitude of the Spanish Government to this Colony.
§ Mr. H. FraserWith the hon. Gentlemen, I am aware that Gibraltar would be helped greatly by the relaxation of certain Spanish restrictions and it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government in this connection to try to secure for Gibraltar practical benefit from improved Anglo-Spanish relations.
§ Mr. JegerWe have been hearing this for many years from the Government and Gibraltar is beginning to demand deeds, not words. I refer the hon. Gentleman to the Gibraltar Press, which is getting impatient about this matter. Does he realise that these many years of appeasement of Franco are bringing nothing but a feeling of frustration and disappointment to Gibraltar? Have we so many loyal Colonies in the Mediterranean that we can afford to disregard the most loyal of the lot?
§ Mr. FraserI would certainly see that we do all we can to improve the situation. I am fully conscious of some of the pinpricking regulations, but I ask hon. Members, on both sides, to regard this as a realistic situation and one which can best be solved by improving relations between our two countries.
§ Mr. HunterIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is deep feeling among Gibraltar people about the restrictions 879 imposed by the Spanish Government and that they feel a sense of injustice? Will he ask his right hon. Friend to endeavour to have these restrictions removed to that the people of Gibraltar may enjoy the freedom which they should have as British people?
§ Mr. FraserYes, Sir.
§ Mr. DoddsHow much longer are we to get these spineless excuses for Spain's shabby treatment of Gibraltar? Is it not a fact that there are unnecessary restrictions on cultural, sporting and commercial relations, that Spanish or other foreign nationals are not allowed to go into Gibraltar and that the only change in recent years is an astute move by Spain which has enabled Gibraltarians to go into Spain and spend their money, with harmful effects to Gibraltar? Why do not the Government stick up for the people of Gibraltar and do something?
§ Mr. FraserI would point out to the hon. Member that there has been some easing of restrictions in the last few months—
§ Mr. FraserThere has been some easing. Let me point out to the hon. Member, however, that speeches like his contribute nothing to the solution of these problems.
§ Mr. CallaghanIn view of the complete and continuing unwillingness of the people of Gibraltar to be associated with Spain, may I ask the Under-Secretary whether Lord Home raised with the Spanish Government the question that one of the ways of improving relations would be for Spain to drop her claim to the Rock of Gibraltar?
§ Mr. FraserThat is a Question which should be addressed to the Foreign Office.
§ Mr. DoddsOwing to the thoroughly unsatisfactory nature of the Answers by not only the Joint Under-Secretary, but by a whole lot of other Ministers, I give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.
§ Mr. SpeakerI have repeatedly asked hon. Members to adhere to the traditional formula when giving notice and, in the interests of time, not to make speeches.