§ MR. ANDERSONasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, If the Colonial Office has received a letter signed by six out of the eight elected members of the Legislative Council of Malta, expressing an intention of leaving the Council, on account of the arbitrary acts of the Government, and the continued neglect of the Petitions of the Maltese people for reforms in the administration; and, if Sir Victor Houlton, the Chief Secretary, is opposed to these reforms; and, if Her Majesty's Government intends to take any steps in the direction desired by the resigning members of the Legislative Council?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYThe letter has been received; but it does not express an intention of leaving the Council at present. A reply will shortly be sent, repeating the desire which Her Majesty's Government have constantly expressed, that full attention should be paid to the wishes of the elected members in all purely local matters. As to the Chief Secretary, whatever his private views may be, he has no responsibility apart from the Government of which he is a Member, and I cannot enter into any discussion as to his opinions. I will very shortly lay on the Table of the House the answer to the letter above referred to, as well as an answer sent to a Petition received last year, and they will show the views of the Government.