6. Mr. Colin Jacksonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what effect the recent further restrictions on commercial relations between Gibraltar and Spain have had on the territory's economy; and in the circumstances what further assistance Great Britain proposes to offer to Gibraltar.
§ Mr. Frederick LeeAs I said in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Goole (Mr. Jeger) on 23rd June, the reports of further restrictions have been denied by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The reports themselves affected some businesses in Gibraltar, but the Governor is not in a position to assess the effects exactly. As regards the second part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development gave to the hon. Member for Surbiton (Mr. Fisher) on 28th June.
Mr. JacksonI thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Would he not agree that the territory of Gibraltar is today being subjected to an economic and psychological cold war campaign by the Government of Spain? Should we not make absolutely sure that whatever happens the people of Gibraltar do not suffer as a result of this?
§ Mr. LeeI think that is a little outside the terms of the Question. All I was asked was about the present position, and I know of no further deterioration.
§ Mr. MaudlingAre the Government continuing discussions with the Spanish Government about Gibraltar, and are these new restrictions being raised?
§ Mr. LeeThe Government will continue the discussions and in general the question of restrictions will be raised and continue to be raised.