§ 29. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information as to the present position in Malta, and particularly as to the political action of the ecclesiastical authorities in connection with the pro-English Press?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERWith regard to the first part of the question, I will refer the right hon. and gallant Member to the Report of the Malta Royal Commission, which will be issued to Parliament to-morrow. With regard to the second, my information is that two 838 Maltese newspapers have recently been banned by the local ecclesiastical authorities on the ground of their persistent attacks upon the Church.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs it not a fact that these two papers are the pro-English papers in Malta?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI rather repudiate the suggestion that there is any anti-English sentiment in Malta at all. I think the whole of Malta is favourable.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is considerable Fascist and Italian sentiment in the island?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI do not think there is.
§ 31. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the report of the Royal Commission on Malta will be presented to the House; and whether any decision has yet been reached on the recommendations?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERCopies of the report will be issued to both Houses of Parliament to-morrow. The answer to the latter part of the question is in the negative.