§ 10. Mr. Teelingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what conclusions the Imperial Government and the Maltese Government have reached with regard to the speeding up of the granting of visas for tourists from any part of the world to enter Malta.
§ Mr. ProfumoVisas are not required by American tourists visiting Malta for a stay of up to three months. The Malta Imperial Government propose to make a similar concession very shortly to the nationals of most Western European countries, from which the bulk of tourist traffic can be expected.
§ Mr. TeelingCan my hon. Friend say when this is likely to happen? Cannot an immigration officer always turn people away? Furthermore, is my hon. Friend not aware that in Italy one can only get a visa to Malta from Rome, in France from Paris, and in Germany—it takes a month to get it—from Dusseldorf?
§ Mr. ProfumoI am well aware of these difficulties. The date will be 1st January, 1958. It will be wise to see how these new concessions work out. If snags occur, I think Her Majesty's Government will not be loth to take further steps.