§ 78. Sir W. Teelingasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs why the announcement that talks were to be resumed between the United Kingdom and Spa in was sent to the Governor of Gibraltar in Gibraltar when the Governor was in London; why the protest of the Gibraltar Minister for Public Relations was not sent at once to the Commonwealth Office; and why, up to 15th November, the protest made by the responsible Minister in the Gibraltar Government had not been acknowledged.
§ Mr. George ThomsonThe text of the announcement was telegraphed to the Governor's Deputy in Gibraltar who acts for the Governor in his absence. The representations by the Gibraltar Minister for Public Relations to the Permanent Secretary to the Government of Gibraltar dated Saturday, 21st October, were reported to the Commonwealth Office on Monday, 23rd October. The matter has been dealt with locally in Gibraltar and no further acknowledgement was necessary.
§ 79. Sir G. Sinclairasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government will support the people of Gibraltar in their determination, shown in the recent referendum, voluntarily to retain their link with the United Kingdom, with democratic local institutions and with the United Kingdom retaining its present responsibilities; and if he will make this clear both in the forthcoming discussions in the United Nations and in the bilateral talks with Spain now to be resumed.
§ Mr. George ThomsonHer Majesty's Government will give full weight to the result of the referendum in accordance with the statement made in the House by my right hon. Friend the former Minister of State for Commonwealth Affairs (Mrs. Hart) on 14th June announcing our intention to hold the referendum.—[Vol. 748, c. 563–72.]