HC Deb 08 July 1968 vol 768 cc24-5
21. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement about the renewed Spanish blockade of Gibraltar and the representations he has made to the Spanish Government.

Mr. Mulley

After the debate in this House on 7th May my right hon. Friend called in the Spanish Ambassador on 8th May, and told him what Her Majesty's Government and this House thought of the latest Spanish restrictions. My right hon. and noble Friend Lord Caradon has set out our position in detail in a letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 21st June, of which a copy has been placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Wall

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that experience in the last three years has shown that the screw is being tightened and tightened on Gibraltar and that this will continue unless counter-measures are taken? Is the Minister also aware that the people of Gibraltar are beginning to feel that we are letting them down?

Mr. Mulley

I cannot agree with the hon. Gentleman's last observation. As the hon. Gentleman knows, the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister of Gibraltar are here having talks today with my right hon. Friend the Commonwealth Secretary. As the Commonwealth Secretary told the House on a previous occasion, we do not rule out retaliation provided it meets two tests: first, that it should not do Gibraltar and Britain more harm than Spain; and, secondly, that it should offer the prospect of persuading Spain to change her policies.

Mr. Ogden

Can the Minister say whether the Spanish authorities have been operating any frigates near the Rock recently?

Mr. Mulley

I am sorry, but I cannot give a recent assessment without notice.

Sir A. V. Harvey

Is the Minister aware that what he has said amounts to nothing at all? Could he tell the House what has happened since we had the debate six or seven weeks ago? Great things have been done for the economy of Gibraltar. Why do not the Government get down to it and take the same attitude as they do towards Rhodesia?

Mr. Mulley

I do not think that the two matters are in any sense the same. As I have said, the Chief Minister of Gibraltar is having talks with my right hon. Friend the Commonwealth Secretary, and questions about the internal aspects of Gibraltar must be addressed to my right hon. Friend.

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