HC Deb 03 February 1966 vol 723 cc1262-4
6. Mr. Fisher

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent further budgetary or economic aid is required to sustain the economy of Gibraltar; and when talks will be held with Gibraltar Ministers to consider this matter.

8. Mr. Jackson

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what further steps she intends to take to help the people of Gibraltar in the present adverse economic circumstances caused by the boycott measures of the Spanish Government.

Mrs. White

I am glad to say that the 1966 budget of the Gibraltar Government is almost in balance. I understand that the Gibraltar Government wish to discuss the development proposals of the Gibraltar Study Group when they have studied the full report, which they hope to receive in two or three weeks' time.

Mr. Fisher

I am very glad to hear that there are probably to be further talks on the economic side. Would the hon. Lady agree however, that over the period now of 15 months there has been no political or effective diplomatic assistance for Gibraltar and that the Colony is entitled to look for this from the sovereign Power? Do the Government intend to discharge their responsibilities to the Government and people of Gibraltar? Can we have a straight answer, "Yes" or "No"?

Mrs. White

The hon. Gentleman is perfectly well aware that very substantial support has been offered to the Government of Gibraltar.

Mr. Fisher

indicated dissent.

Mrs. White

With great respect, it has. It would be useless to discuss further measures until the Gibraltar Government have had the opportunity to consider the Report to which I have referred.

Mr. Jackson

Can my hon. Friend say specifically about the Gibraltar territory what progress has been made in rehousing refugees from the Campo area and whether it is intended to accelerate those plans?

Mrs. White

Yes, Sir. The Gibraltar Government have speeded up their housing programme, with assistance from the British Government, and it is expected that all refugees will be in permanent accommodation before the end of this year.

Lord Balniel

Can the hon. Lady say what response there has been from the Spanish Government to the United Nations resolution calling for talks between our Government and the Spanish Government and the declared British intention to hold talks provided that the restrictions on the frontier are withdrawn? Surely we must be able to undertake some political initiative to bring this deplorable dispute to an early end.

Mrs. White

I am sure the hon. Gentleman is fully aware that questions about our relations with Spain should be addressed to the Foreign Secretary.

Mr. George Jeger

My hon. Friend has referred to the assistance which has been given to and gladly received by the Gibraltar Government. However, is she aware that what is needed is the stimulation of the trade of the ordinary trading community in Gibraltar which the res- trictions imposed by the Spanish Government have hit very hard?

Mrs. White

We are well aware of the difficulties caused to Gibraltar by these restrictions and the object of the Gibraltar Study Group was in part to consider possible reorientation of Gibraltar's trade.