49. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he proposes to publish the draft instruments setting out the Constitution of Malta?
§ Mr. Malcolm MacDonaldLetters Patent embodying the new Constitution for Malta were approved by His Majesty in Council on 2nd February. I expect that these Letters Patent will be published in Malta during this month, and I propose to arrange for copies to be placed in the Library of the House in due course.
Mr. Creech JonesWill there be any opportunity for the House to consider the new Constitution before it becomes effective?
§ Mr. MacDonaldI announced the main provisions of the new Constitution at the end of July, and if the House had been anxious to discuss these matters, it would have been possible to have done it since then. Of course, it is open to the House to discuss the Constitution if they so desire, though it is not necessary to get the leave of the House for the Letters Patent to come into operation.
Mr. Creech JonesIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the Constitution will meet with the approval of the people of Malta?
§ Mr. MacDonaldI myself had the opportunity of consultations with various leading Maltese when I was in the Colony in August, and I was assured that, generally speaking, the population of the Colony was satisfied with the proposals.