§ 28. Mr. G. Straussasked the secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the demand of the General Workers' Union in Malta for representation on the National Assembly proportionate to its numbers and for the introduction into that island of direct taxation as a means of financing prospective social legislation; and whether any steps are being taken to accede to these requests.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Colonel Oliver Stanley)The National Assembly is not an official body and the Government of Malta have no control over it. It is in fact a body which is being organised ad hoc for the purpose of for- 1947 mulating the views of the people of Malta regarding the kind of constitution they would like to have when self-government is granted. I understand however that agreement has now been reached regarding the representation of the General Workers' Union in the Assembly. A resolution by this Union in favour of an extension of direct taxation as a means of financing social developments has recently been forwarded to the Malta Government and is at present under consideration.