§ 54 and 55. Mr. McLarenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what information he has received about further restrictions to be imposed by the Spanish Government on the transit of British subjects across the frontier at Gibraltar; and what action he is taking;
(2) what information he has received about further restrictions to be imposed by the Spanish Government on the transit of motor vehicles across the frontier at Gibraltar; and what action he is taking.
§ 58. Mr. George Jegerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he is aware of the new restrictions being placed on British residents in the Campo area who work in Gibraltar; and what steps are being taken to protect their interests.
§ Mr. M. StewartBritish subjects who hold Spanish residence permits allowing them to live in the Campo area have hitherto travelled daily in and out of Gibraltar on workers' passes. The Spanish authorities have now intimated that they intend to cancel these passes on 7th March.
The Spanish authorities have also in a number of cases refused to recognise the validity of passports issued by British Consulates in Spain which are marked
172Wissued on behalf of the Government of Gibraltar".There are indications that Spanish regulations concerning the carriage of goods across the frontier may have been altered. But I am aware of no further restrictions to be imposed on the transit of motor vehicles.
All these matters have been taken up with the Spanish Government by Her Majesty's Embassy at Madrid who have lodged a formal protest at these new restrictions. Steps have also been taken to enable holders of the passports I have referred to to exchange them for others.