§ 10. Mr. Wallasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if she is aware that it is now easier for Spanish nationals to enter this country than for Gibraltarians; and what steps she is taking to redress this anomaly and to provide financial support for more employment in Gibraltar.
§ Mrs. WhiteThe systems of control over the immigration of aliens and Commonwealth citizens are not directly comparable, but in general the control exercised under the Commonwealth Immigrants Act, 1962, is the more generous. I am informed that there is no difficulty in obtaining employment in Gibraltar.
§ Mr. WallIs the hon. Lady aware that for Gibraltarians there is great delay in obtaining entry permits to this country, a delay which does not seem to apply to Spanish citizens who seem to be allowed work permits whenever they ask for them? Is she aware that one or two instances about immigration into this country are causing alarm and despondency in Gibraltar?
§ Mrs. WhiteIf the hon. Gentleman has any particular instances which he would like to draw to our attention, I would be happy to receive details.
§ Mr. David GriffithsWould not my hon. Friend be much happier, as I would, if hon. Members on both sides of the House were more interested in their own constituency affairs than in Gibraltar?
§ Mrs. WhiteI could not entirely agree with my hon. Friend about that. I have to give considerable thought not only to my own constituency but to Gibraltar.
§ Sir F. BennettThe hon. Lady did not say anything about additional economic assistance. Is she aware that since she last spoke on the subject the position 1265 has become much worse, as Spanish citizens working in Gibraltar are not allowed to spend any of their earnings there but have to take the whole lot back to Spain?
§ Mrs. WhiteI am well aware of these extremely tiresome restrictions, but, as I said earlier, we hope to receive from the Government of Gibraltar new proposals when that Government has studied the report of its study group.