§ 38. Colonel YATEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the recommendation made by the Royal Commission on Malta, in paragraph 285 of its Report, regarding the erection at Valetta of a large hotel of the first class and the statement contained therein that the Govern- 1470 ment of Malta were willing to surrender on advantageous terms a site in a central and' commanding position for such an hotel; that certain applications and offers-were made in consequence to the Government of Malta for the construction of such an hotel, but that the Government of Malta opposed them by replying that they were not at present taking any steps in the matter of obtaining the provision of additional hotel accommodation; whether this opposition on the part of the Government of Malta is due to instructions from home; and, if so, what are the reasons against the carrying out of the recommendations in this respect made by the Royal Commission; and, if not, will the Government of Malta be instructed to comply with the recommendations of the Royal Commission?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)I am aware of the recommendation in question. I have no information with regard to any offer made to the Government of Malta for the construction of an hotel, but I will make inquiry. I have given no instructions on the subject.
§ Colonel YATEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will peruse the correspondence which has been published in the newspapers?
§ Mr. HARCOURTI have done so.