CONFIDENTIAL
7.
problems in practice. The Chief Minister pointed out that there was a risk that there could be an influx of Spanish pensioners; a point which the Spanish Government itself had put across when considering Gibraltar's request for a derogation. Spain could always exercise the use of Community rights and create a heavy liability for Gibraltar. Mr Maude stated that Gibraltar would retain the right to exclude persons who would become a liability. He recalled his earlier experience in the negotiations on the proposed directive and pointed out that there was provision for exclusion of individuals who did not have adequate resources. There were safeguards in the Directive and Gibraltar's concern could best be met by these. The Chief Minister stated that this was not the impression which he had when reading the final draft of the directive. Maude undertook to revert on the matter and clarify the position.
ODA funds
14.
Mr
The Chief Minister referred to the balance of funds available from the 1986 ODA grant for development projects generally. He outlined the problems which Gibraltar had recently faced over rock safety and asked whether the ODA would be prepared to fund an emergency programme for remedial works, notably in the area of Camp Bay. The costs involved could be in the order of a £4m, but an urgent
urgent programme
of works for some £50,000 would be helpful. Mr Maude said that he could not give any commitment except that he would be willing to look at the problem.
Reduction in Army strength
15. Mr Maude then referred to the proposed reduction in the Army strength in Gibraltar. He had discussed the matter with his counterparts in the MOD. He was satisfied that things were moving forward and he hoped that the MOD would be in a position to start detailed discussions at an early date. He was in fact authorised to say that these were scheduled to start very soon. The Chief Minister felt it would be helpful if
if the MOD could move quickly in releasing some twenty properties which had originally been earmarked for transfer to the Gibraltar Government and which had been used by expatriate management previously working for GSL. Most of these properties were empty and in a deteriorating condition. It would prove very expensive to
to rehabilitate them if there were lengthy delays. Mr Maude undertook to convey these concerns back to the MOD. He added that the direct effect of the proposed Army cuts on civilian employment were minor and after taking account of the increase in uniformed jobs in the Gibraltar Regiment,' the net effect would be a small increase in employment. The logistic support
functions were still under review
CONPTIVENNTAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.