§ 9. Sir GERALD STRICKLANDasked the Secretary of State for Colonial Affairs whether he is prepared to instruct the Governor of Malta that Bills altering the Constitution and not passed in each House by a majority of two-thirds are not to be either assented to or reserved, but denied assent in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution for the protection of temporary minorities?
§ Mr. AMERYWhere a doubt exists as to whether a Bill actually does alter the Constitution, and therefore requires a two-thirds majority to make it valid, I am of opinion that the correct course for the Governor is to reserve the Bill for the signification of His Majesty's pleasure, so that the doubt may be resolved on the advice of the Secretary 943 of State, assisted, if necessary, by the opinion of the Law Officers. I may add that a Bill so reserved has no force or effect unless and until His Majesty shall have signified his assent thereto.
§ Sir G. STRICKLANDMay I ask if a doubt is supposed to exist when the alteration of the Constitution is as plain as a pike-staff?