HC Deb 26 February 1931 vol 248 cc2268-9
46. Mr. FOOT

asked the Prime Minister if he has been able to receive the deputation now in this country from Malta?

Mr. P. SNOWDEN

The answer is in the negative. All sections of Maltese political opinion will doubtless have opportunities of laying their views before the Royal Commission; and, in order to avoid embarrassment to the Commission, it is considered desirable that in the meantime Members of His Majesty's Government should refrain from receiving deputations on Maltese political matters.

Mr. FOOT

Would it not be in accordance with precedent and with the needs of the case if the three Ministers of the Crown from Malta who are in this country at the moment were received by the Secretary of State?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I have already answered that question in another part of my reply, in which I say that it would be very undesirable in the circumstances for any Minister of His Majesty's Government to receive a deputaiton.

Mr. HANNON

Would it not be better to leave the matter alone until the Royal Commission has an opportunity of making their inquiries?

47. Mr. FOOT

asked the Prime Minister if he can now announce the personnel of the Royal Commission on Malta; and when the Commissioners are to commence their inquiries?

Mr. SNOWDEN

It is not possible to give this information at present, but a further announcement on the matter will be made shortly.

48. Mr. FOOT

asked the Prime Minister if the terms of reference of the Royal Commission on Malta will be framed so as to enable the Commissioners to inquire into the language question in the island?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I must refer the hon. Member to the terms of reference themselves, which were announced in the answer which I gave on the 23rd February.

Mr. FOOT

Would it not be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to receive representations not merely from one side but from all sides of the House as to the importance of the language question in Malta?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I think the terms of reference are sufficiently wide not to preclude the Royal Commission from dealing with that matter, and it will be for the Commission themselves to interpret their terms of reference.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Do I understand that it is the intention and purpose of the Government to allow the language question to be dealt with by the Commission?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I cannot add anything to what I have just said.