§ 14. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations from foreign Powers he has received since June, 1970, for ceding, respectively, Gibraltar to Spain and the Falklands to Argentina.
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeSpain has made several representations on Gibraltar. The Argentine Government has also from time to time repeated its claim that the Falkland Islands are part of its national territory.
§ Sir G. NabarroHaving regard to the demonstrations and disturbances demanding the ceding of Gibraltar to Spain which greeted my right hon. Friend's recent visit to Spain, will he make it clear that the present Conservative Government will abide absolutely and for all the time they are in office by the express wish of the Gibraltarians, to the extent of at least 95 per cent., that we shall never cede Gibraltar to Spain?
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeI saw only one demonstration by students at the airport. I saw no others. The visit was quiet and orderly. I have pointed out to the Spanish Government that this is a matter contained in the Preamble to 1015 an Act of Parliament which dealt with the Gibraltar constitution and that Her Majesty's Government would not agree to the people of Gibraltar passing under the sovereignty of any other State against their freely and democratically expressed wishes.
§ Mr. Roy HughesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of us are not happy about his junketings with Fascist Ministers in Spain, and does he appreciate that any deal he might make which would sell out the independence of Gibraltar without the express wish of the Gibraltarians would be very much resented by many people in this country?
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeI have just told my hon. Friend the Member for Worcestershire, South (Sir G. Nabarro) what I said to the Spanish Government. I do not like it when nations adopt rigid positions and refuse to talk to each other. I am prepared to go to talk to the Spaniards. I hope that the Spanish Foreign Minister will return here and that we shall continue our discussions in London.
§ Sir G. NabarroA splendid reply.