HC Deb 06 December 1965 vol 722 cc21-3
45. Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he proposes holding talks with the Spanish Government about the frontier restrictions imposed by Spain upon Gibraltar.

62. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made with the Spanish Government in talks about Gibraltar.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Walter Padley)

As I informed the House on 28th October, we have had discussions with the Spanish Government regarding the circumstances in which talks about Gibraltar might be held. We have had no response to the last approach made by Her Majesty's Ambassador at Madrid. For their part Her Majesty's Government remain ready to entertain proposals for talks as soon as a normal situation is restored on the Gibraltar frontier.

Mr. Fisher

Has the Minister seen reports in the Press today saying that Spain would be willing to have talks? If for some reason the Government think that this is untimely or inappropriate, have they any proposals for any political or economic initiatives in order to try to implement their own promise in Cmnd. Paper 2362 last April to sustain the interests of the people of Gibraltar, of which so far there has been very little sign?

Mr. Padley

We are not prepared to hold conversations under the duress of the frontier restrictions or in the face of Spanish threats. Substantial economic measures have been taken to sustain the people of Gibraltar. These have been announced in the House. As for the Press report today of the so-called red book, I understand that it is about 500 pages in length. We in the Foreign Office have not yet received a copy and I am therefore unable to deny or confirm the construction which the hon. Member puts upon it.

Mr. Crawshaw

Is my right hon. Friend aware that immediately following the Prime Minister's visit to Gibraltar fresh restrictions were imposed so that Spanish workmen may not now buy their goods in Gibraltar, which means a loss of £250,000 a year to the inhabitants? Is my right hon. Friend aware that people are losing patience with this attitude of the Spanish Government, and would he please do something and not just talk about it?

Mr. Padley

We are aware that when in 1954 Her Majesty the Queen visited Gibraltar, restrictions were imposed on loyal British subjects in Gibraltar. We are also aware that when the Prime Minister called at Gibraltar on his way back from Rhodesia one of the events which followed was a fresh imposition of restrictions. We have under continuous review all the types of action which might appropriately be taken in accordance with our undertaking to defend and sustain the people of Gibraltar.

Mr. Wall

Does the hon. Member agree that Gibraltar is getting the kicks for what is basically a quarrel between London and Madrid? Will he see that talks are opened with the Spanish Government as soon as it is conceivably possible?

Mr. Padley

The truth is that we have on countless occasions made diplomatic representations to the Spanish Government both in London and Madrid. But we are not prepared to have conversations under duress nor are we prepared to have conversations about sovereignty over the Rock.

Lady Tweedsmuir

Will the Minister of State answer the question put so clearly to him by his hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Toxteth (Mr. Crawshaw) who asked him whether he would take action? The only reply which the Minister of State gave was that he had the matter under continuous review—and that is not good enough.

Mr. Padley

That remains the policy of Her Majesty's Government. The policy of Her Majesty's Government, as announced in the House, is to sustain Gibraltar, and very substantial measures in capital grants and in the reorganisation of the Gibraltar economy have been taken.