HC Deb 01 April 1965 vol 709 cc1818-9
1. Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on Gibraltar, following the visit there of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.

10. Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in the light of the attitude and actions of the Spanish Government, he will now state the policy of Her Majesty's Government in respect to Gibraltar.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mrs. Eirene White)

During my visit to Gibraltar in February I saw for myself the difficulties which are being imposed on the people of Gibraltar through the arbitrary and unreasonable actions of the Spanish authorities and the admirable spirit in which they are being met. I was able to reaffirm to the Governor and his Ministers the determination of Her Majesty's Government to protect the welfare and the legitimate interest of the people of Gibraltar. That policy remains unaltered.

In the last few weeks there has been no improvement in the situation on the frontier and indeed the Spanish authorities have introduced some further restrictive measures.

My right hon. Friends the Foreign Secretary and the Colonial Secretary have, therefore, thought it right to inform the House and the country more fully of the facts about our differences with Spain and of the position taken by Her Majesty's Government. They are arranging to present a joint White Paper which will be laid during the next few days.

Mr. Kilfedder

I am grateful to the Under-Secretary for that deply. Will she make it quite clear to the Franco reégime that, while we are unable to do anything about the repressive measures taken in Spain itself, this nation will not tolerate any longer the restrictions imposed by Franco on the frontier; and that the people of Gibraltar will receive the fullest possible support and the quickest possible action from Her Majesty's Government?

Mrs. White

In the hon. Gentleman will await the White Paper he will see that our position is made amply clear.

Mr. Fisher

Is the hon. Lady aware that Gibraltar is now living, even more so than when she was there, under a state of economic blockade by Spain, with virtually 40 percent. of her economy being cut? Is she aware that the unanimous view of the people, certainly when I was there, was that while our words of support were welcome, they had been ineffective? Will Her Majesty's Government now do something to help them? In this connection, does the hon. Lady appreciate that they are particularly indignant about the passport issue, that the Spanish have rejected British passports from Gibraltar, and could not we consider warning the Spanish Government that if this goes on we may have to reject Spanish passports into Britain?

Mrs. White

I am sure that the visit of the hon. Gentleman and of his right hon. Friends was welcome in Gibraltar. I am also sure that he will appreciate that questions concerning passports are not for the Colonial Office but for the Foreign Office. Some reference will be made to this matter in the White Paper, although it is not really the concern of my right hon. Friend.

Mr. H. Hynd

Will my hon. Friend in the White Paper deal with the question of British tourists to Spain? Will she point out to the Spanish Government that if they continue with this line of action there are ways and means of taking action on our part?

Mrs. White

I do not think that at this stage it would be very wise for me to anticipate the contents of the White Paper.