§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, If he can state what portion of the civil duties of the Governor of Malta will in future be performed by the Lieut.-Governor; or what are to be the new powers and responsibilities in consideration of which the title of Colonial Secretary is to be altered to that of Lieut.-Governor, and the salary of the office largely increased?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYThe Governor is in future only to receive £3,000 a-year, instead of £5,000, from the Revenues of Malta. Out of the saving of £2,000 a-year an addition is to be made to the salary of the Chief Secretary, who will be also called Lieutenant Governor, and his status thereby raised. The Governor will continue to be the head of the Administration; but it has been thought expedient that the chief permanent civil officer under the Governor should occupy a position of higher influence and consideration than hitherto, with greater authority in matters of administrative detail. It is proposed that on ordinary occasions he should preside instead of the Governor in the 1161 Council of Government, which is the Legislative Body. The matter has been considered with the new Governor, and has his concurrence, and its announcement has been very favourably received in the Island.
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS - BEACHIf the Lieutenant Governor is hereafter to preside in the Council, who is to be responsible for the introduction and defence of Government measures?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYsaid, he did not know. The right hon. Gentleman should give Notice of the Question.