HC Deb 08 April 1936 vol 310 cc2761-2
30. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether His Majesty's Government in Malta are prepared to repeal the Pari Passu Act and to remodel the university statutes so as to give a better chance to English education in Malta?

Mr. J. H. THOMAS

Changes have recently been made providing for a more extensive use of English in the university. The repeal of the Act would raise difficulties having regard to the provisions of the Constitution on the subject of language.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Are we to understand that no alteration will be made in the university statutes, and that the teaching of Italian will be continued?

Mr. THOMAS

That does not necessarily follow, but the whole question of Malta will arise in another form after the Recess.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

May I ask what the statutes of the university have to do with the Malta Constitution?

Mr. THOMAS

The difficulty is that the Act to which my right hon. and gallant Friend refers provided for the teaching of both languages, and, as far as I am informed, that has not been violated.

Commander BOWER

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into account the fact that during the last few months there has been a marked change in opinion in Malta as to the desirability of retaining the Italian language at all, and that many of those who were previously very much attached to the Italian culture are now beginning to wonder whether "culture" is the right word?

Mr. THOMAS

I am glad to receive that information, and when, after the Recess, I shall be dealing with Malta in another form, I hope my hon. and gallant Friend will keep that in mind.