§ 5. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what study he has made of the possibility of bringing in and housing workers from outside Gibraltar to replace Spanish workmen who have been warned that their frontier permits will be withdrawn.
§ Mrs. WhiteThe Gibraltar Government have, of course, studied the problems which would arise if frontier permits were withdrawn from the Spanish work force. I have every hope that alternative arrangements could be made.
§ Mr. DigbyIs the hon. Lady aware that many of us still hope that these permits will not be withdrawn, because we do not wish to see hardship imposed on Spanish workpeople who have done a good job on the Rock for many years?
§ Mrs. WhiteWe entirely agree with the view expressed by the hon. Member. There has, up to now, been no widespread withdrawal of such permits and we hope that no such action will be taken.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyIn the event of this happening, will the hon. Lady give an assurance that funds will be made available to house these people as they should be housed; and that funds are available to house those people who have lost their permits to reside in Spain and have come to Gibraltar?
§ Mrs. WhiteWe are discussing these matters with the Government of Gibraltar, who are making their own plans.