§ Mr. N. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the Governor of Gibraltar has given special facilities to monarchist refugees from Spain to establish businesses in the colony; and, whether, in view of the dissatisfaction of the old-established business community there, this policy will be discontinued?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have no information upon this subject, but will make inquiries of the Governor.
§ Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction among the people of Gibraltar at the method of appointing the executive council of the colony, none of the members being elected by popular vote; and if he will take steps to give to Gibraltar a democratically-elected legislative body?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERIt is not the practice for executive councils in the colonies to be recruited by the method of popular election. An executive council 1241W is a purely advisory and not a legislative body; and is not intended to "represent" any particular interest in a Colony. The main consideration in the selection of members must be their fitness to give good advice. I am not aware that the existing constitutional arrangements in Gibraltar are causing any widespread dissatisfaction; and, as at present advised, I see no ground for altering them.