HC Deb 12 June 1967 vol 748 cc7-8W
58. Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further representations he has made to the Spanish Government about the restrictions imposed by Spain upon the use of Gibraltar.

Mr. Mulley

In last week's talks in Madrid we tried to resolve the difficulties which the Spanish Prohibited Area has created for civil aviation at Gibraltar. The Spanish Government have been unwilling to continue the discussions unless Her Majesty's Government first accepted Spanish sovereignty over the southern part of the isthmus, and ceased to use Gibraltar airport for military purposes. These conditions were quite unacceptable to us and the talks ended on 8th June.

63 and 64. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what communication he has had from the Spanish Government regarding the proposals by them to place further restrictions upon free travel between Spain and Gibraltar;

(2) whether he will seek from the Spanish Government an assurance that they will take no further steps to restrict travel between Gibraltar and Spain.

Mr. Mulley

The land frontier between Gibraltar and Spain has been closed to wheeled traffic since 25th October, 1966. No further restrictions on travel between Gibraltar and Spain have been announced since that time.

68. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what retaliatory action Her Majesty's Government will take against Spain in view of the continued and increasing provocation at Gibraltar.

Mr. Mulley

We are not overlooking any actions in this dispute which we could usefully take.

Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the Anglo-Spanish talks on restrictions to air traffic near Gibraltar.

Mr. Mulley

In last week's talks in Madrid we tried to resolve the difficulties which the Spanish Prohibited Area has created for civil aviation at Gibraltar. The Spanish Government have been unwilling to continue the discussions unless Her Majesty's Government first accepted Spanish sovereignty over the southern part of the isthmus, and ceased to use Gibraltar airport for military purposes. These conditions were quite unacceptable to us and the talks ended on 8th June.