§ 29. Mr. Braineasked the Minister of Labour if he is satisfied that Gibraltarians seeking vouchers to take up work in the United Kingdom are being given reasonable facilities to do so; and how 910 such facilities compare with those enjoyed by Spaniards seeking work in this country.
§ Mr. FernyhoughTo the first part of the Question the answer is, Yes, As regards the second part, the circumstances differ so much that comparisons cannot properly be made.
§ Mr. BraineDoes the hon. Gentleman not recall his answer to a Question on 30th November which showed that the Proportion of Gibraltarian applicants getting work in this country was far lower than the proportion of Spanish applicants? Does he not consider this sort of discrimination against Commonwealth Citizens to be most unfair, particularly at a time when Gibraltarians are under such intolerable pressures?
§ Mr. FernyhoughThe circumstances are not identical. Once a Commonwealth Citizen has a permit given to him he can, if he likes, remain here for ever. A Spaniard gets a permit for only 12 months and can be sent back, though it is possible for it to be reviewed. If the hon. Gentleman does not appreciate the difference between those who can come and stay here for ever and those who are granted vouchers for only 12 months, he is not facing up to the realities of the Situation.
§ Mr. George JegerWould my hon. Friend not agree that, since special concessions have been made for the unemployed of Malta who wish to come here, there is a precedent for making special concessions for Gibraltarians, especially when only a handful would want to come?
§ Mr. FernyhoughWe are looking closely at the possibility of a special allocation to dependent territories.