HL Deb 31 January 1973 vol 338 cc692-4WA
LORD MERRIVALE

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (a) Whether they will consider establishing a deadline for the exploratory discussions between the Spanish Foreign Minister and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if no lifting of the restrictions against Gibraltar is forthcoming; and,
  2. (b) What positive action they propose to take towards a reduction of 694 the frontier restrictions which started in October, 1964.

THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN

The aim of the discussions is to encourage a climate of understanding and confidence in which progress might be made towards a solution of the Gibraltar problem satisfactory to Britain and Spain and acceptable to the people of Gibraltar. We have consistently impressed on the Spanish Government that the lifting of the frontier restrictions would make an important contribution to this process. The discussions will continue.

House adjourned at nineteen minutes before eight o'clock.