HC Deb 22 April 1929 vol 227 cc606-8
17. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information to give the House as to the mediation to be exercised by the Vatican between the clericals and the Labour Government of Malta?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

No, Sir. I can add nothing to the previous replies on this subject. I might add that the right hon. Gentleman is mistaken in referring to the Government of Malta as being a "Labour Government."

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that recently this Labour Government in Malta—for there is a Labour majority—has been criticised by an alien priest in that country, and are there any provisions in the laws of Malta which enable people to be expatriated back to their own country if they interfere in local politics?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

That raises a very thorny question of policy, and I cannot accept the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's description of the point as fully accurate, but, as he knows, this matter is the subject of inquiry. An Apostolic visitor is inquiring into the circumstances' of this particular case, and I think it would be very unwise for any of us, in any quarter of this House, to attempt to prejudge the examination of that question.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is the judgment of the Apostolic visitor of more importance and more decisive than the judgment of this House as to the freedom of the local government?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

No.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

That is what the right hon. Gentleman's answer said.

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

No; the right hon. and gallant Gentleman has misunderstood me. Pending the report on all the circumstances, I think it would be very unwise that we should make up our minds, one way or the other, until we have the full evidence before us.

Mr. J. H. THOMAS

Is not the real explanation that the Government do not want to commit themselves pending a change of Government?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I not not know whether the right hon. Gentlman means a change of Government in Malta. That seems likely, but it has nothing to do with it.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

I suppose it is the report of our Governor that is to be the information provided to the right hon. Gentleman, not the report of the Apostolic visitor?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Obviously, the British constitutional authority is the Governor, not the Apostolic visitor, but it is very desirable in these matters of religious discipline, affecting religious orders that we should ascertain what the official views in this matter are.

Mr. LANSBURY

What does the Home Secretary say about it?