HC Deb 21 July 1965 vol 716 c245W
27. Mr. Fisher

asked the Minister of Overseas Development whether she will make a statement about economic aid for Gibraltar.

33. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what assistance is being given to Gibraltar.

Mrs. Castle

pursuant to her reply (OFFICIAL REPORT, 20th July, Vol. 716, c. 1330–31), provided the following information:

At a meeting this morning with Sir Joshua Hassan, the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, and Mr. Isola, Deputy to the Chief Minister, the Colony's economic problems were discussed. I informed the Chief Minister that the British Government had been deeply concerned with the special difficulties of Gibraltar and had decided that, subject to the Overseas Development and Service Bill receiving the Royal Assent, £1 million in Colonial Development and Welfare grants would be made available for development in Gibraltar over the next three years and also a further £200,000 in Exchequer loans should they be required.

This allocation compares with one of £400,000 for the current three years and takes into account the urgent need for the Colony to re-organise its economy and to provide more housing to meet the needs of British subjects who have been obliged to leave Spain.