§ *MR. BOLAND (Kerry, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state how many of the elected members of the Council in Malta were returned at the last election in opposition to the retention of the Italian language; and whether an opportunity will be given to the people of Malta of testing the question at a general election before the suspension of the constitution takes place.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN (for Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN)No opposition was offered to the return of any of the elected members at the last election. I believe they are all in favour of the compulsory use of the Italian language, and opposed to the free choice given by the present system. In my opinion, the views of the people on this question are much better shown by their individual replies to the question which is put to every parent, than by elections, in which only a small minority have votes, and very few of this minority ever exercise their privilege.
§ MR. BOLANDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Council was 553 adjourned last week and that this question might therefore be submitted to a general election; and, further, may I ask whether it is customary to suspend the Constitution of a colony, without allowing this House the opportunity of discussing the matter.
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! That does not arise out of the Question.