§ 3.20 p.m.
§ Lord BALFOUR of INCHRYEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the opening of the Gibraltar-Spanish frontier includes the lifting of all aerial navigational restrictions on landings and taking off from Gibraltar airfield imposed by the Spanish authorities.
§ Viscount TRENCHARDMy Lords, it was clearly understood when my noble friend met the Spanish Foreign Minister in Lisbon that all such restrictions would be lifted.
§ Lord BALFOUR of INCHRYEMy Lords, may I thank the Minister for his reply, and ask him whether he is aware that this decision will bring great relief to air crews? They have for many years had to operate in and out of Gibraltar under severe Spanish restrictions, and often 410 in deteriorating weather, which, to use a rather graphic air crew parlance, they describe as "visibility nil and even the birds are walking".
§ Viscount TRENCHARDMy Lords, I will convey to my noble friend those interesting comments which we, I think, entirely endorse.
§ Lord ELWYN-JONESMy Lords, is the Minister aware that this decision is also welcomed on this side of the House? These restrictions have placed pilots, and indeed passengers, in grave peril over the years. Governments of both parties have endeavoured to have the restrictions lifted. It is a great relief that at last something sensible is being done by the Spanish authorities.
§ Viscount TRENCHARDMy Lords, I hope that the noble and learned Lord is not in any way taking a share of the credit away from my noble friend who is at the moment in Rhodesia.