§ 5. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can state the date when the Labour party offices in Malta were raided; the nature of the documents confiscated; and whether the secretary has been proceeded against and with what result?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am informed that no searches have been made by the Maltese police in the local Labour party clubs or offices, but on the 18th of March the police searched the private houses of certain members of the Labour party in connection with subversive literature which was being introduced into the Island. Among these was the 153 secretary of the party whose private residence and business office were searched. A considerable quantity of subversive literature and correspondence was seized; and it has been produced in court in proceedings which have been taken against the secretary and certain others. The case is still pending.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the literature referred to is largely the most modest and puerile literature produced by the English Labour party, and does he think that the Governor is justified in undertaking these searches?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERWhile no doubt it is quite right for the hon. Member to characterise the literature produced by his own party as puerile, it would be improper for me to express any opinion on something which is the subject of litigation or prosecution.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSBefore the Governor called for these visitations of private residences, did the Prime Minister or the Government of Malta have any part or lot in advising the Governor?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI would like to have notice of that question. I am under the impression that this matter would fall within the jurisdiction of the local Ministers and not of the Governor, but I would like to have a question put to me expressly on that point.