§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ensure that continuing support is given to the economy of Gibraltar to sustain a viable commercial operation in the dockyard.
§ Mr. RaisonAs my hon. Friend the then Under-Secretary for Defence Procurement (Mr. Stewart) announced in the House on 27 July—[Vol. 46, c. 1212]—we are prepared to provide up to £28 million, in addition to other associated measures, to help in the establishment of a commercial shiprepair yard in Gibraltar. As also announced at that time, if there are any future difficulties for the Gibraltar economy Her Majesty's Government would be prepared, in line with the policy of supporting Gibraltar during the present border restrictions, to examine the whole economic and budgetary situation with a view to considering whether further measures of support might be necessary or justifiable in the circumstances of the time.