§ 53. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state the results of 1853 the Vatican intervention in the troubles between the Maltese Government and the Church?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers this question, may I draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the fact that the question refers to "Vatican intervention in the troubles between the Maltese Government and the Church." May I point out that that is a misstatement, which may cause a great deal of misunderstanding in view of the fact that the Vatican was invited by our Government to intervene.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI think my answer to this question will make that point clear. As my right hon. Friend informed the right hon. Gentleman on the 6th March, the Vatican was requested to send an Apostolic Visitor to Malta. It has complied with the request, and an Apostolic Delegate has been deputed to visit the island. It is too early to state the results of this step.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre the newspapers in error when they report that already two of the Franciscan Fathers have been discharged from the Order? Are we to understand that that has taken place without waiting for the intervention of the delegate from Rome?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI have no official information of that fact, but certainly it would appear to be a matter of internal discipline. The two Franciscan Fathers have been discharged from the Order by their superior Monsignor Robinson, who is the Apostolic Delegate, has only recently arrived from Rome, and he is deputed direct from the Holy See.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs that not prejudging the issue?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThat has nothing to do with us.