HC Deb 02 February 1944 vol 396 cc1264-5
36. Mr. W. J. Brown

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will publish the Report of the Admiralty official recently sent to Malta to investigate the cause of discontent among staffs in His Majesty's dockyard there; and what action he proposes to take on the matter dealt with in that document.

Mr. Emrys-Evans

This investigation was not confined to the staffs of His Majesty's dockyard in Malta. The investigating officer was sent to inquire into and advise upon the situation resulting from the dispute last year between the Government of Malta and the Service Departments and certain of their employees in Malta, and upon the establishment of standing machinery for consultation between these employing authorities and their employees on matters of common interest. His report, which was made to the Governor of Malta, will be published in the Colony. A proposal made in it for an increase in the war bonus payable to certain grades of employees has already been approved. Other recommendations are under consideration.

Mr. Brown

Will a copy of that report be placed in the Library or made available to us?

Mr. Emrys-Evans

The Government of Malta, I understand, are being asked to send a copy to the Crown Agents and it will be available.