§ 1. Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what improvements have taken place in the relations between Spain and Gibraltar during the past four months.
§ Mr. Hector HughesOn a point of order. I have given private notice of a question about a ship lost in the North Sea. It is a matter of some importance, Mr. Speaker, and I am at a loss to know why you have not called me.
§ Mr. SpeakerI am at a loss to know what the hon. and learned Member thinks that he is doing. If a Private Notice Question is not allowed by the Chair it is not thereafter to be mentioned.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Reginald Maudling)I have at present nothing to add to my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal's replies of 28th June, to the hon. Member for Goole (Mr. Jeger).
§ Mr. DoddsDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it makes it that much more difficult to be friendly with Spain when she continues this petty attitude in her economic, social and cultural relations with Gibraltar? In congratulating the right hon. Gentleman on his appointment and wishing him well in his vitally important job, may I ask him to bear in mind that it was expected that his predecessor would visit Gibraltar towards the end of the year, and that the Gibraltarians very much hope that the right hon. Gentleman, in his new office, will be able to visit them very soon?
§ Mr. MaudlingI agree about the difficulties that arise from these restrictions. I know that my predecessor was sorry that, in the event, he could not visit Gibraltar. I hope to do so myself as soon as I can.