HC Deb 15 March 1971 vol 813 cc903-4
32. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a further statement on the economic help given or planned for Gibraltar.

Mr. Kershaw

Under the arrangements for British support of Gibraltar's development programme announced to the House on 8th December, 1969, projects involving British aid of £3.2 million have already been approved for 1970–73. A further £0.8 million, being the balance of the £4 million promised for this period, is expected to be spent on the Viaduct housing project before the end of 1973. Discussions on the future financing of that project have recently been held with the Gibraltar Government and a further offer of assistance for the period 1973–76 is being conveyed to them.—[Vol. 793, c. 23–5.]

Mr. Wall

Have the moneys previously voted to Gibraltar been spent? Is my hon. Friend satisfied that the sums he mentioned in his Answer are sufficient to counteract the effect of the Spanish blockade and to lay a firm economic foundation for Gibraltar's future?

Mr. Kershaw

There are certain disbusements of sums already voted which are currently being made. They are not being unduly held up. I am happy to be able to tell my hon. Friend that the economy of Gibraltar is not in bad shape.