HC Deb 11 March 1878 vol 238 c1047
MR. ANDERSON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether it be true, as stated in the newspapers, that a successor to the present Governor of Malta has been appointed; and, if so, whether any effect is being given to the desire of the Maltese to have the Military Governorship separated from the Civilian?

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

Sir, it is true a successor to the present Governor of Malta has been selected, though the statement in the newspapers to which the hon. Member refers was entirely unauthorized, and no appointment had been made at the time at which it appeared. As to the scheme suggested in the hon. Member's Question, I would remind him that there is something else to be considered besides the desires of the Maltese, and that the present scarcely seems a suitable moment for introducing a divided command into an important English fortress. At the same time, I would remind the hon. Member, that many of our best Colonial Governors have been distinguished military men; and I cannot suppose that the civil interests of the Island will be in any way prejudiced by being entrusted to a distinguished General, aided, as he will be, by able and experienced civil officers.