§ Sir R. Glynasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Spanish refugees are at present accommodated at Gibraltar in houses that would be available, if the Spaniards were evacuated, for the accommodation of Gibraltarian evacuees now retained in camps in Northern Ireland; how long have these Spanish refugees been at Gibraltar; and what are the reasons for retaining them when accommodation there is so limited.
Mr. Creech JonesOf the 392 Spanish refugees at present resident in Gibraltar, 128 may be regarded as occupying premises which would otherwise be immediately available for evacuees, while perhaps 30 more are in premises that could be converted. Most of the refugees have been at Gibraltar since 1936. With regard to the last part of the Question, I would invite reference to my reply to a Private Notice Question by the hon. Member for Nelson and Colne (Mr. S. Silverman) on 4th November.