HC Deb 25 July 1933 vol 280 cc2414-5
63. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement as to the rescission of the Malta constitution?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

No, Sir.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that owing to the express views of the Chief of Police, and owing to the attitude towards the teaching of English and Italian, the people of this country are getting increasingly anxious as to the Italianisation of a British colony?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

This House unanimously approved the course which His Majesty's Government took with regard to the teaching of English in Malta. That will be strictly carried out.

Lieut. -Commander BOWER

Will the right hon. Gentleman take this opportunity of bringing to the notice of the existing Maltese Government the fact that he does not propose to depart in any way from the unanimous decision of this House in view of the fact that the Maltese Government have more than once given an indication that they imagine he is going to rescind this Ordinance?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I think the Maltese Government understand perfectly well that there can be no question of modifying in the slightest possible degree the unanimous decision of this House. The Government and the House have no intention of departing in the faintest degree from that decision.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to make inquiries in Malta as to the Fascist influence in the administration at the present time?

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