HC Deb 10 October 1945 vol 414 cc217-8
42. Mr. W. J. Brown

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the economic and political unrest in the island of Malta and the possibility of an early explosion there, he will at once send a British mission to the island to confer with local representative bodies, political and industrial, on the situation, and to propose remedies for it.

Mr. George Hall

I have been giving some attention to the situation in Malta and, while I feel that my hon. Friend's description of it is somewhat exaggerated, I have decided, as was recently announced by the Governor, to appoint a Commissioner to visit the Colony to confer with local representatives and to assist in the drawing up of a new Constitution. The industrial aspect is also being examined, but I am not proposing at present to make any special appointment for that purpose.

Mr. Brown

Does the Minister realise that the British Government is the biggest single employer in the Island of Malta; that what we do largely determines the major conditions for the Island as a whole, and that what we do is largely under the right hon. Gentleman's control? Will he do a lot better in the future than the other fellows did in the past?

Mr. Hall

I realise that the British Government is the largest employer of labour in Malta. During the past four weeks I have received no fewer than four deputations from Malta, and discussed the industrial position with them. They did not unduly complain about present conditions. They are more concerned about post-war resettlement, but they did discuss questions of a political aspect, and I met them in that matter.