28. Mr. RATHBONEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether His Majesty's Government intend to maintain the defences of Malta.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREYes, Sir. I am aware that reports to the contrary have been circulating in irresponsible quarters, but I cannot think that the slightest credence has been given to them by informed opinion. I need scarcely say that they have no foundation whatsoever in fact. His Majesty's Government have commitments in Malta both to the Maltese people and to the general defence of the Empire. They have no intention of renouncing those commitments.