§ 39. Mr. George Jegerasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will ensure that ships of the Royal Navy are constantly in Gibraltar harbour.
§ Dr. David OwenIt is normal for one of Her Majesty's ships to be in, or within a short distance of, Gibraltar harbour. The harbour is also visited by ships on passage to and from the Mediterranean and Far East.
§ Mr. JegerIs my hon. Friend aware that that will bring great comfort to the Gibraltarians, who are constantly faced with ships of the Spanish Navy patrolling very close to Gibraltar?
§ Dr. OwenI have noted my hon. Friend's comments, but I am fully satisfied with our present arrangements.
§ Sir J. Langford-HoltWill the Minister assure us that no restriction is placed on either the manoeuvrability or the operations of the Royal Navy by virtue of the attitude of the Spanish Government in the area?