HC Deb 27 February 1967 vol 742 cc92-3
21. Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of Spain's refusal to refer the Gibraltar dispute to the International Court, what policy Her Majesty's Government now propose to follow for the settlement of the Gibraltar problem.

116. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he now proposes to take to secure the withdrawal of the restrictions imposed on the Gibraltar border by the Spanish Government.

Mr. George Brown

We intend to arrange further talks with the Spanish Government in accordance with the Resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 20th December, 1966. At such talks we shall, of course, continue to press for the removal of restrictions imposed by Spain on the Gibraltar frontier.

Mr. Fisher

As the Hague suggestion was rejected by Spain, what line in these talks do the Government now propose to take? Are they to let the matter drift indefinitely to the prejudice of Gibraltar, or are they to take more resolute action towards Spain?

Mr. Brown

We have always taken a resolute attitude on this problem, but I think it better that we should have talks. We made a suggestion which had they had confidence in their case I think they would have accepted, and could have accepted, but which they rejected. We are ready to have talks with them again. We want to settle this problem, like every other problem, peacefully, but that does not mean that we shall not be resolute and support Gibraltar.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is there to be a mitigation of the pressures on Gibraltar while these talks are taking place? If not, why not?

Mr. Brown

I told the right hon. Gentleman, had he listened, that this is one of the things we shall urge.