A Gibraltar MP?
Peliza argues that Gibraltar should have a representative in the House of Commons; 'like France and Spain have from their over- seas territories'. This representative could 'speak out in the Commons on the whole spectrum of our problems'. This suggestion reflects an increasing frustration under -the present constitutional set-up. There is a House of Assembly : a Speaker, fifteen elected members, the Attorney-General and the Financial Secretary. Ministers appointed from this Assembly have responsibility for certain defined domestic matters. But the British Governor, at present an admiral, re- tains responsibility for internal security, foreign affairs, and defence.
Now the worry among members of the ruling party stems from the official dispatch that accompanied the constitution in 1969. Referring to the Governor's tasks, it speaks of 'machinery under which such matters may continue to be discussed as appropri- ate with Ministers in the Gibraltar Council'. The worriers interpret this as giving the Governor power to debar discussion on any topic. Hence the demand that Gibraltar should have a voice loud and clear in the Commons.
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