HC Deb 27 July 1965 vol 717 cc88-9W
Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement about his talks with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar.

Mr. Hazell

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what were the results of his discussions with the delegation from Gibraltar; and what further action has been agreed.

Mrs. White

The discussions with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar and his Deputy which ended yesterday have covered all aspects of the present situation in Gibraltar.

As hon. Members will be aware, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Overseas Development informed the Chief Minister last week 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 of 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.

It has also been agreed to make available £100,000 as a special grant in aid of Gibraltar's budget for the current year in recognition of the additional expenditure to which they have been put as a result of the measures taken by the Spanish Government. I hope that this grant will be taken as further confirmation that it is Her Majesty's Government's intention to stand by the Government and people of Gibraltar and to help them to overcome their present problems.