§ 38. Mr. ISAAC FOOTasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has any information as to the statement issued by the British Union of Fascists in Malta at the command of Sir Oswald Mosley that, under the rule of the British Union of Fascists, the Italian language is to be taught in the schools as well as the Maltese and English languages; and if he will inquire into the matter?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have seen a newspaper report to this effect. I hardly think the matter is worth a special inquiry.
§ Mr. FOOTMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he saw in that statement, which was supplied by the Reuter agency, the further explanation that:
The British Union of Fascists anticipate no difficulties in this connection, in view of the present great friendship and intimate understanding between the Italian Fascist Government and the British Union of Fascists";and does he not think that that is a matter of some importance?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, Sir, I really do not think that an irresponsible statement by Fascists is a matter of very great importance.
§ Lieut.-Commander BOWERIs not this just one more example of the non-British origin of this organisation?