HC Deb 10 July 1969 vol 786 cc1567-8
3. Mr. John Fraser

asked the Prime Minister what representations he has received from Spanish exiles in this country on Anglo-Spanish relations; and what reply he has sent.

The Prime Minister

None, Sir.

Mr. Fraser

Was it not represented to the Prime Minister and his colleagues at the Socialist International that Spain is in gross breach of its United Nations obligations to its own people in relation to human rights as much inside its own borders as outside? Will the Government give this fact publicity and demonstrate it as much as the Spanish are fond of demonstrating what are supposed to be our failings, which I deny, in Gibraltar?

The Prime Minister

I am sure that the whole House will join with my hon. Friend in his denial of Spanish allegations about Gibraltar.

Hon Members

Hear, hear.

The Prime Minister

Practically every Gibraltarian wants to maintain his British connection and not sign up with Spain. I have not had recent representations on this matter but I will study the details of any of the representations made at Eastbourne.

Sir F. Bennett

Would it be a bad idea to advise our representative at the United Nations to press for consideration by that body of a referendum, such as we had in Gibraltar, for Ceuta and other Spanish possessions on the North African coast?

The Prime Minister

That is an interesting suggestion and I will bring it to the attention of our representative at the United Nations. It is a fact that at the United Nations there has not been anything like full awareness of the true position in Gibraltar, or of the fact that the referendum, which was taken in the most objective conditions with full facilities for independent observers, showed overwhelming support for the British connection.