asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to test opinion in Gibraltar about the economic future of that country, and to be kept informed of Gibraltarian views on the coming Anglo-Spanish talks on Gibraltar; and to what extent Gibraltar will be represented at these talks by Gibraltarians.

I have invited the Chief Minister of Gibraltar and his Deputy to London on 5th and 6th May and I look forward to hearing their views.As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made clear yesterday, Her Majesty's Government are responsible for the external affairs of Gibraltar and it would not be in accordance with the constitutional position for the territory to be a party to the talks with Spain.