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Gibraltar

Volume 808: debated on Monday 7 December 1970

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8.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the future status of Gibraltar.

Her Majesty's Government have no plans to alter the status of Gibraltar which is defined in the preamble to the Gibraltar Constitution Order in Council of May, 1969.

Can my right hon. Friend say what will happen to Gibraltar should Britain join the European Economic Community? Can he assure us that the right of entry which Gibraltarians enjoy today will be safeguarded in the pending immigration legislation?

That is a matter of which my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will take note. But at present Gibraltar would come under Article 227(4) of the Treaty, which would, I think, be in accordance with the wishes of the people of Gibraltar.

What consideration has been given to the idea put forward by the Gibraltarians that Gibraltar should be represented in this House?

I do not think that that matter has been taken any further. The previous Administration gave their views on it. We have nothing to add to what was said.

Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that if Gibraltar is covered by Article 227(4), which deals with full membership of the European Economic Community, it will involve obligations of free passage for their workers between that country and other countries in association with the E.E.C.?

There are various aspects of this matter. I cannot anticipate the discussions. This is one aspect which will have to be borne in mind.