HC Deb 20 July 1965 vol 716 cc1330-1
27. Mr. Fisher

asked the Minister of Overseas Development whether she will make a statement about economic aid for Gibraltar.

33. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what assistance is being given to Gibraltar.

Mrs. Castle

The Chief Minister and his Deputy have just arrived in this country. I shall be having discussions with them and shall make an announcement tomorrow.

Mr. Fisher

I quite understand why the right hon. Lady cannot make an announcement today, but does she agree that in the rather special circumstances which now exist in Gibraltar—whose economy has been cut by almost 40 per cent., through no fault of her own—we are under a special obligation to be generous in this matter? Can she say whether her statement tomorrow will be made to the House of Commons?

Mrs. Castle

The answer to the second part of the hon. Member's supplementary question is "yes". As for the first part, I appreciate the point that he has made. That is why I am hurrying as quickly as I can to make the announcement.

Mr. Goodhart

Will the right hon. Lady remember that we have a special responsibility for the economic difficulties in which Gibraltar finds herself at the moment, and that this is a problem in which a comparatively small amount of money can make a tremendous amount of difference?

Mrs. Castle

Yes, Sir.