23. Commander Bowerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is satisfied that proper and efficient machinery exists for bringing the needs and opinions of the Maltese civil population to the attention of the Governor of Malta?
§ Colonel StanleyYes, Sir. I have every reason to believe that that is the case. The principal machinery by which the Governor is informed on these matters is the Council of Government of which half the members are the elected representatives of the people. I am glad to say that the Council has continued under great difficulties to discharge its constitutional responsibilities fully and faithfully throughout the war. Two of the elected members of the Council of Government are also members of the Executive Council. The present Governor, Lord Gort, is also constantly in touch with the people through personal visits to every part of the Colony.
Commander BowerIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that among other needs of the Maltese population there are the needs of hundreds of very small babies who have to be fed laboriously with teaspoons owing to the lack of necessary rubber fittings for bottles? If the Governor had had a wife, she would have made his life a misery until this was remedied, and should there not be some feminine influence to make these things known?
§ Colonel StanleyThe original Question dealt with the constitutional machinery of the island and not with the family life of the Governor.