29. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will incorporate in his proposals for the new Constitution of Malta some measure of effective local government in respect to local affairs?
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)The new Letters Patent deal only with questions affecting the Central Government of the Colony. Copies of the Letters Patent, which were proclaimed in Malta on 25th February, have been placed in the Library of the House.
Mr. Creech JonesIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very widespread dissatisfaction and disappointment with the Constitution, and will he not consider giving the Maltese some effective form of local government?
§ Mr. MacDonaldI do not think that that is a true description of the reception which the Constitution has received. In regard to local government, that is another question altogether.
Mr. Creech JonesCan the right hon. Gentleman give me an assurance as to how long it will be before some real measure of self-government is conceded to the Island?