§ 19. Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he proposes to take to increase the defence capabilities of Gibraltar.
§ 36. Sir Frederic Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will extend the current arrangements permitting access around the Rock of Gibraltar by civilians, currently available only on Saturdays and Sundays, to the rest of the week.
§ Mr. MasonAs the hon. Member knows, the tunnel in question was opened to the public on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays in 1968 as a result of a request from the Gibraltar Government. I understand that there were further discussions on the question of extending public access between 1969 and 1973, but that for a variety of reasons the Gibraltar Government felt unable to accept the financial conditions which would have to accompany such an arrangement. We would, of course, give sympathetic consideration to any further proposals, provided that satisfactory financial arrangements can be worked out with the Gibraltar Government for the maintenance of these facilities.