§ 65. Captain ORMSBY-GOREasked the Prime Minister whether an inquiry has been set up with regard to the recent disturbances at Malta; whether His Majesty's Government contemplate making any changes in the present Constitution of 610 Malta; whether steps have been taken to limit the profiteering in foodstuffs in Malta; and whether compensation will be paid out of Maltese public revenues to those persons whose property was damaged during the period of mob rule in Valletta?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for, the COLONIES (Lieut.-Colonel Amery)Yes, Sir, an inquiry is being held. The newly-appointed Governor, General Sir Herbert Plumer, was requested to report upon the Constitution of Malta, and until his report has been received it would be premature to make any statement. Food prices in Malta have been under control throughout the War, and a bread subsidy has been in force for a long time. The Governor's proposals as to compensation for the damage done by the rioters have not yet been received.