§ 51. Mr. Haselhurstasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he is satisfied 800 with progress over the negotiations for the entry into the European Community of Spain and Portugal; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdReasonable progress has been made in the accession negotiations with both Spain and Portugal, bearing in mind the scale and complication of the problems. The European Council of 21 and 22 March made some progress in respect of arrangements for olive oil, fruit and vegetables and invited Agriculture Ministers to take early decisions on these matters. There will be a ministerial conference with Spain in the margins of the 25 and 26 April Foreign Affairs Council and with Portugal in the margins of the 24 May Foreign Affairs Council.
§ Mr. HaselhurstDoes my right hon. Friend agree that, whatever economic or political difficulties may raise their heads from time to time, Britain's paramount concern should be the political cohesion of western Europe? Does he agree that the best guarantee of that lies in the enlargement of the Community along these lines?
§ Mr. HurdThere are strong political reasons, which remain as strong as ever, for encouraging and making possible the accession of both Spain and Portugal.
§ Mr. DalyellWhat is the Government's response to Spanish protests about HMS Invincible and other units of the Fleet going to Gibraltar?
§ Mr. HurdThat issue does not arise on this question but, as the hon. Gentleman is anxious for news, I can tell him that we have made it clear to the Spaniards that it is quite normal for ships participating in Exercise Springtrain, which is an annual exercise, to visit Gibraltar.
§ Sir Anthony KershawWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that circumstances in Gibraltar are germane to the negotiations that are likely to take place? What can he do to bring home to the Spanish Government and, for that matter, the Spanish people, the point that childish and ill-tempered outbursts are likely to alienate Gibraltarians and that unless they make friends with the Gibraltarians we cannot do anything about it?
§ Mr. HurdThe restrictions on trade between Spain and Gibraltar are germane, it is the visit of the fleet which, I suggest, is not germane. It is inconceivable that Spain should join the Community while restrictions on ordinary traffic between Spain and Gibraltar remain. That was made clear to the Spanish Foreign Minister when he came here last month.