HC Deb 30 July 1976 vol 916 cc446-7W
Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what methods of consultation exist between Her Majesty's Government and Gibraltar's House of Assembly.

Mr. Hattersley

The channel of communication between Her Majesty's Government and the House of Assembly is through the Governor, who consults with both the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition from time to time as and when necessary. The latter have access to the Governor whenever they wish to consult him on any subject.

Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial support is being given to Gibraltar; and how long it will continue.

Mr. Hattersley

Following talks with the Gibraltar Government in November 1974 my right hon. Friend, the then Minister for Overseas Development, announced agreement on an aid programme for the three financial years beginning 1975–76 on projects estimated at that time to cost £7.6 million. Aid in the form of technical co-operation, including provision for teacher-training in the United Kingdom, is also being given. There will be a review of progress on the programme after the second year, and we will consider the case for further aid in the circumstances then prevailing. Her Majesty's Government's commitment to support and sustain Gibraltar in the face of Spanish restrictions is a major consideration, particularly in the provision of aid funds, and will be maintained for as long as the need arises.

Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, in order to maintain Gilbraltar's constitutional links with the United Kingdom, he will consider the creation of a guaranteed and permanent economic link.

Mr. Hattersley

This proposal was put forward by the Gibraltar Constitution Committee and discussed during the talks in London on 24th and 25th June between the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the Gibraltar Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition. Her Majesty's Government were unable to agree to the establishment of such a link for the reasons set out in their Memorandum dated 26th June 1976, copies of which are placed in the Library of the House.