HL Deb 18 April 1973 vol 341 cc1207-8WA
LORD MERRIVALE

asked Her Majesty's Government, (a) what area of the North Mole, Gibraltar, has been handed over or leased to the Gibraltar Government; (b) if leased, at what cost; when such cost is to be reviewed and when the last review took place.

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

(a) Under an agreement with the Ministry of Defence dated April 26, 1965, the Gibraltar Government has the exclusive use of the following areas for 42 years with effect from April 1, 1960: the western arm and road leading thereto from the western side of the Viaduct, the whole of Jetties Nos. 1 and 2, the north-westerly end of the Detached Mole (two berths) and two berths on the eastern side of Jetty No. 3 extension for bunkering ships with oil only. The Government also has the right to berth ships at the south-east section of the Detached Mole and at two berths on the western side of Jetty No. 3 extension for oil bunkering, provided they are not required for naval purposes.

(b) The original agreement provided for an annual rental of £19,000. This was reduced to £15,000 with effect from January 1, 1967, when it was agreed that the rent would be subject to triennial review. A further reduction to £11,000 took place with effect from January 1, 1970. The last triennial review was completed in 1972 and the need for any consequential adjustment is now being examined.