§ Sir Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to seek to secure the listing of the Gibraltar defences in the world heritage list set up by the world heritage convention; what arrangements have been made with the Gibraltar Government to ensure their maintenance, repair and public display; what funds he makes available for these purposes; what steps he is taking to seek to enlist private contributions; what support is forthcoming from international agencies including the world heritage fund; if he will visit Gibraltar to inspect the conditions of the defences; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarThe Gibraltar defences were put forward last year in the "tentative list" of sites for inclusion in the world heritage list. We have in hand work on the preparation of their case for their formal nomination to the list. When this has been completed, the Gibraltar defences will be among those sites to be considered for such nomination.
The Gibraltar defences are protected as ancient monuments under the Gibraltar Museum and Antiquities Ordinance 1982. Their maintenance, repair and public display are matters for the Gibraltar Government.
My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans at present to visit the Gibraltar defences.