§ MR. BOLAND (Kerry, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the petition presented on the 13th instant from the elected members of the Council of Government of Malta, urging that a Commission be appointed to inquire into the system of Government in Malta, the language question, and the question of taxes; whether he is aware that a representative meeting has lately been hold in Malta which expressed its condemnation of the despatch dated 30th July; and whether a Commission will be granted in accordance with the petition of the elected representatives of the Maltese people.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN(1) I have no information with regard to the petition in question. (2) Yes. (3) No, Sir, I do not propose that a Commission be granted to inquire into the system of government in Malta.
MR. PLYNN (Cork, N.)asked whether it was intended to continue the government of Malta by Order in Council exclusively.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINWhen necessary, yes.
MR. PATRICK O'BRIENHas the right hon. Gentleman received any information in reference to the reports that the British flag has been hauled down in Malta and that injury has 908 been done to the statue of Her late Majesty.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI have no information as to either of those incidents, except what I have seen in the newspapers. No official information has come to me.