§ 69. Mr. A. Royleasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what proposals have been made by the Government about the use of the airfield at Gibraltar by Spanish military aircraft and the inclusion of Spanish representatives in the internal administration of either the port or internal administration of Gibraltar.
§ Mr. M. StewartIt was agreed between the British and Spanish Delegations at the talks on 12th and 13th July that the negotiations should be strictly confidential. To reveal at this stage what has taken place at the talks so far would not only be prejudicial to their outcome but would be a breach of confidence. The talks are likely to be resumed before very long.
§ Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will give an assurance that he will not conclude any negotiations with the Spanish Government about the future of Gibraltar while Parliament is in recess and without giving the House an opportunity to debate the matter.
§ Mr. M. StewartThe talks with the Spanish Government are likely to be resumed before very long. I cannot say when they are likely to be concluded. But in the event of our reaching any definitive Agreement with Spain this would, of course, be laid before the House in the normal way before ratification.