§ MR. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is intended immediately to press through the Council of Government of Malta the Ordinance relating to the civil effect of marriages in that island, a draft whereof appears in the Malta Gazette of 1st June, 1892, without giving Parliament an opportunity of discussing either the contents of that Ordinance, which seriously affects the Marriage Law of Malta, or the considerations of policy which have actuated Her Majesty's Government in proposing it?
§ BARON H. DE WORMSThe draft Ordinance to which the hon. Member's question refers was introduced by a private Member, and will not be supported by the official Members of the Council of Government, and if passed will not be assented to by the Governor, who has been instructed not to assent to any Ordinance relating to marriage pending the reference which is about to be made to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
§ MR. BRYCECan the right hon. Gentleman say when this matter will come before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council?
§ BARON H. DE WORMSI believe it is before the Committee now.