§ 82. Mr. George Jegerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the present and future policy of Her Majesty's Government in regard to Spain.
§ Mr. MulleyOur policy is to stand by the people of Gibraltar, to uphold British rights there and to seek a peaceful solution of our differences with Spain over Gibraltar.
In view of the Spanish Government's announcement of a Prohibited Area for flying near Gibraltar on 12th April Her Majesty's Government postponed the talks with Spain on decolonisation which had been due to start in London on 18th April. Meanwhile, at our suggestion talks with the Spanish Government on the Prohibited Area start in Madrid today.
§ 91. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why Great 104W Britain is giving de facto recognition to the newly-restricted Spanish flying areas near Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MulleyHer Majesty's Government contest the validity of the Prohibited Area in so far as it affects normal access to Gibraltar airport, and maintain that it does not comply with Article 9(a) of the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. Talks begin in Madrid today between British and Spanish Delegations about the Prohibited Area.
§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the relations between Great Britain and Spain concerning the claims of the latter to rights in Gibraltar.
§ Mr. MulleyOur policy is to stand by the people of Gibraltar, to uphold British rights there and to seek a peaceful solution of our differences with Spain over Gibraltar.
In view of the Spanish Government's announcemnt of a Prohibited Area for flying near Gibraltar on 12th April Her Majesty's Government postponed the talks with Spain on decolonisation which had been due to start in London on 18th April. Meanwhile, at our suggestion talks with the Spanish Government on the Prohibited Area start in Madrid today.