§ Q3. Mr. Lathamasked the Prime Minister whether she will make a further statement on the future of Gibraltar.
§ The Prime MinisterNo new date has yet been set for implementing the Lisbon agreement. Future economic prospects in the light of continued Spanish restrictions and the closure of the naval dockyard were discussed by my noble Friend Lord Belstead, Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, when he visited Gibraltar from 21 to 23 July and again between my right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, and the Chief Minister on 24 September. We remain in close touch with Gibraltar on all aspects of her affairs.
§ Mr. LathamCan my right hon. Friend say when the Government are proposing to announce the five-year capital aid programme for Gibraltar, which is already 18 months overdue? Will she ensure that it is devoted to specific capital projects and not a general grant-in-aid?
§ The Prime MinisterA development programme was submitted about 18 months ago. Decisions on that were changed when the question of the dockyard arose, and a revised programme was submitted last month. That is being urgently considered and we shall make decisions upon it as quickly as is humanly possible. In the meantime, as my hon. Friend knows, some £4 million was allocated to Gibraltar for urgent projects last December.
§ Mr. Joseph DeanWill the Prime Minister take time today to deny reports—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. This is a closed question.
§ Mr. McQuarrieBearing in mind the comments that my right hon. Friend has made about £4 million of capital aid, is she aware that only £2 million of that has so far been given to Gibraltar? Can she say when the further £2 million will be allocated to the territory?
§ The Prime MinisterI understand that the money was allocated to urgent projects. If there is a need for the other £2 million quickly, perhaps my hon. Friend will get in touch about the project for which it is needed.
§ Mr. PavittAt the conclusion of the Spanish general election, will the Prime Minister be making contact with the new Government about Gibraltar? Will she tell us whether that contact will be through the Foreign Secretary or through her new adviser at No. 10 Downing Street?
§ The Prime MinisterFollowing the Spanish general election we shall t e in touch with the new Government as is normal. No new adviser has been appointed to No. 10.