HC Deb 26 April 1978 vol 948 cc1365-6
10. Mr. Albert Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if any progress has been achieved during the recent discussions between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of Spain concerning Gibraltar and the outstanding differences between the two countries.

Mr. Judd

My right hon. Friend has nothing to add to the report on his meeting with the Spanish Foreign Minister on 15th March which he gave to the hon. Member for Rutland and Stamford (Mr. Lewis) on 22nd March.

Mr. Roberts

Does my hon. Friend realise that we understand the strategic value of Gibraltar? Does he appreciate that this sordid business has gone on since 1704—over 250 years ago? Does he further realise that the true indigenous people of Gibraltar are Spaniards? Does he agree that it is high time that we came to an amicable arrangement?

Mr. Judd

Our basic position remains unchanged. Naturally we want to see the best possible relationships between Gibraltar and Spain, but as a Government we are not prepared to envisage any developments which will not be endorsed by and are not acceptable to the people of Gibraltar.

Mr. Farr

Will the Minister confirm the last point that he made, namely, that no change whatsoever in the status of Gibraltar can take place without the wholehearted and total support of the people of Gibraltar?

Mr. Judd

Our position is as it has always been. We are not prepared to envisage any changes which are not acceptable to the people of Gibraltar.

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