§ MR. POTTERasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, If it is the intention of the Government to take any steps for the abolition of the taxes on grain and other articles of food imported into the Island of Malta?
§ MR. J. LOWTHERSir, objections against these taxes have from time to time been urged upon Her Majesty's Government by my hon. Friend and others. The question is, however, one of Revenue, upon which it is impossible to arrive at a decision without some further local inquiry. My noble Friend the Secretary of State therefore proposes to institute such inquiry at the earliest possible period, and to avail himself for that purpose of the assistance of an experienced officer from one of the public Departments in this country, who is specially qualified to advise upon such a subject.