HL Deb 08 June 1971 vol 320 cc173-4WA
LORD MERRIVALE

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether any restrictions are imposed on merchant shipping as to the use of the Gibraltar docks and port in a period which is not"a period of public emergency"and if so what restrictions exist and how are they imposed.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE (LORD CARRINGTON)

Commercial use of the naval harbour—other than certain Admiralty waters leased to the Government of Gibraltar —and of the dockyard depends upon naval requirements. Subject to this consideration, merchant ships are permitted to use a number of berths within both the harbour and dlockyard. Requests to use the dockyard for repair work are considered on their merits, taking into account both the limited commercial facilities and the needs of the Royal Navy. The commercial facilities themselves, some of which are within Admiralty waters, are administered by the Gibraltar Government through the Captain of the Port, a civilian official no restrictions have been placed on his freedom of action in recent years.