§ Mr. John Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether the Gibraltarians will be allowed to decide their future link with Great Britain by referendum, in view of the special political circumstances of Gibraltar.
§ Mr. George ThomsonNo. This would be a very unusual course in our overseas territories, I do not think the internal constitutional issues in Gibraltar justify any departure from the general rule. The recent Referendum was an exceptional case since it dealt with an external issue in unique circumstances. It cannot be taken as a precedent.