§ Sir Patrick Wallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what economic aid is proposed for Gibraltar; and what plans exist for the conversion of the dockyard for commercial use.
§ Mr. HurdA grant of £4 million for urgent development projects was approved last December. In Gibraltar last week my noble Friend, the Minister of State, announced details of five projects to be financed from these funds. Other projects are still being considered. Future requests for assistance will be examined in a positive spirit in line with our policy of supporting and sustaining Gibraltar.
The Gibraltar authorities are examining various proposals for commercial operations to take the place of the naval dockyard when it closes next year. If both the British and Gibraltar Governments consider that a commercial operation is practicable, we shall consider carefully ways in which we might help it to be launched; we have already agreed to transfer free of charge dockyard lands and assets required, subject to Parliamentary approval.