§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been decided about the future of the Gibraltar dockyard; whether the Gibraltar Government have been consulted; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdIn accordance with the undertaking given in the June 1981 Defence White Paper, various alternative ways of fulfilling the Government's obligation to support Gibraltar's economy have been carefully studied by the British and Gibraltar Governments. Her Majesty's Government have noted the Gibraltar Government's expressed preference for a naval dockyard with an assured future life. They have, however, confirmed that the plan to close the naval dockyard is unchanged and have outlined to the Gibraltar Government measures they would be prepared to take to help establish a commercially managed dockyard in its place. Officials of the two Governments will now start detailed discussions with A & P Appledore International Ltd., the dockyard operator 445W recommended by consultants, on the proposals the company has put forward. Other parties directly concerned will also be consulted. No final decisions about commercialisation will be taken until these discussions are completed.