§ MR. SUMMERS (Huddersfield)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, since the General Election in September, 1889, the Council of Government in Malta met for the first time on the 29th January, 1890, when little or nothing was done; whether it was kept closed from 29th January to 14th May; whether, just as it had got into working order, its sittings were again brought to an abrupt termination on 25th June; and whether, as; there is before the Council of Government at the present time a Motion for an Address to Her Majesty which, among other prayers, contains one for removing from the Civil List the sum of £1,000, out of which all the expenses incurred by Sir Lintorn Simmons and his suite have been ordered to be paid, he can state when it is intended that the Council of Government shall be summoned for the discussion of this Motion, and for the despatch of the business of the island?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Baron H. de WORMS,) Liverpool, East ToxtethThe statement in the first paragraph of the question is correct. The delay was caused by the change of Governors owing to the death of Sir H. Torrens. The answer to the second paragraph is, Yes. The Council was adjourned on the 25th of June, after passing several important Estimates, ordinances and useful measures. It was adjourned earlier than the Governor had anticipated on account of the three un-official Members of the Executive Council sending in their resignation which has been accepted. It is hoped that others will shortly be appointed fairly representing the majority of the Council of Government, which will meet again after vacation in October next.
§ MR. SUMMERSI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies 1898 whether the decrees of the Council of Trent have been promulgated in the Island of Malta; and, if so, by whom, at what date, and under what circumstances?
§ BARON H. DE WORMSI would refer the hon. Member to what was said by the Secretary of State in another place, on the 24th ultimo, namely:—
The Legal Authorities in Malta have advised that it was duly promulgated there, that it was accepted by the Civil Authorities, and that it has ever since continued to be the Civil Law of the island. We have no information as to the date and circumstances of the promulgation.
§ MR. SUMMERSI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he has received a letter from Mr. Savona, bearing date 12th July, 1890, on the Constitution of Malta, and the recent proceedings in the Council of Government of that island; and, if, so, whether he can state what answer, if any, has been returned to the letter in question?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHI have no knowledge of any such letter.
§ MR. SUMMERSI am prepared to give the right hon. Gentleman a copy.