§ 17. Sir F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what is the present situation in Gibraltar; and what reports he has received from the Governor regarding Spanish plans to erect buildings in the neutral zone.
§ Mr. George ThomasAs regards the first part of the Question I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Southend, West (Mr. Chan-non) by my hon. Friend on 14th February.
As regards the second part of the Question, the Governor has informed us of recent reports in the Spanish Press of plans to construct a sports stadium in the northern part of the Isthmus, and to demilitarise the area and incorporate it in the municipality of La Linea. On 2nd March the Spanish authorities started 1430 removing some of the old military installations and levelling the ground immediately to the north of the frontier fence, presumably in connection with those plans.
§ Sir F. BennettWith regard to the last part of that Answer, can the hon. Gentleman, having announced these talks, say what the Government's reaction will be to what would appear to be a breach of international law? Secondly, with regard to the first general part of that Answer, has the hon. Gentleman nothing to add to the continuing state of complete weakness in the face of continuing Spanish harassment? Thirdly, as the Government show themselves to be so keen on ultimata in other talks, ought not they to introduce some kind of time limit to the talks with Spain?
§ Mr. ThomasThe question of talks with Spain is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary.