§ 63. Mr. Beaumontasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that the appeal to the Privy Council in the recent Malta Constitution case has been allowed, he is in a position to make any statement regarding the constitutional future of Malta?
Mr. M. MacDonaldYes, Sir. As the House was informed in the Debate on the Second Reading of the Malta Letters Patent Bill in July, 1936, it was never the intention that the present constitution of Malta should be continued indefinitely. His Majesty's Government have come to the conclusion that the time has arrived when more liberal institutions can be granted. Proposals to this end have been under consideration for some time, and I hope to be in a position shortly to announce the main outlines of the new constitution, which will be contained in Letters Patent to be submitted to His Majesty, and which will come into force when those Letters Patent are approved and the necessary preparations in Malta completed.
§ Mr. MathersWill that be before we rise for the Recess?
Mr. MacDonaldI hope to be able to make a statement before we rise, but I cannot give a definite undertaking to that effect.