§ MR. BOLAND (Kerry, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that four general elections have taken place in Malta since June, 1903; and whether, in view of the state of affairs in the island, he will consider the advisability of proposing a change in the constitution to give more effective popular representation.
§ * MR. LYTTELTONOwing to the action of the elected members in resigning as soon as elected and then offering themselves for re-election, four so-called general elections have taken place in Malta since June 1903. The reasons for introducing the present constitution have been fully set forth in the Papers which have already been laid before Parliament, and nothing which has since occurred has led me to think that any change of the kind suggested is advisable.
§ MR. BOLANDHow many more elections will be required in order to satisfy the Government as to the attitude of the people of Malta?
§ [No answer was returned.]