HC Deb 28 June 1966 vol 730 cc1565-6
13. Mr. Fisher

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if he will announce the extent of future economic aid for Gibraltar.

Mr. Greenwood

For the period up to April, 1968, Gibraltar has been allocated a grant of £1 million and a loan of £200,000 under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act.

Mr. Fisher

I appreciate that that is quite generous, but as the economy of Gibraltar, through no fault of its own, has been drastically curtailed by the Spanish restrictions, and as the talks may be protracted and may not have a successful outcome, it is, would not the right hon. Gentleman agree, up to us to be very generous—

Mr. Speaker

Order. We must have a question.

Mr. Greenwood

I have a great deal of sympathy with what the hon. Gentleman has said. So far the allocation has been generous, I think, and the scale of future allocations must depend, to a large extent, on the progress the Gibraltar Government make with drawing up their development plan on which they are at present engaged.

Mr. Rankin

Does this aid comprehend the money being spent in creating and constructing a tunnel in the Rock?

Mr. Greenwood

Not as far as I am aware. So far, the money approved is to be spent on housing and the provision of a school.

Mr. Farr

In view of the critical state in which Gibraltar finds herself, would the right hon. Gentleman confirm that he will review the allocation from time to time to see whether it can be increased or revised to meet eventualities which may be as yet over the horizon?

Mr. Greenwood

I think that we had better await developments. The Gibraltar Government know that they can always reopen these matters with us, but it is impossible at this stage to forecast what steps will be taken to meet those requirements.