§ 45. Mr. Berryasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the promise made in 1943 to restore responsible government to Malta, he will consider the appointment of a Royal Commission to visit that island in the near future to report as quickly as possible on the financial, economic and war damage position, with a view to an early restoration of self-government.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)No, Sir. A very full and comprehensive inquiry into the financial, economic and war damage position in Malta has recently been made on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies. It is the intention of His Majesty's Government shortly to appoint a commissioner to visit Malta and to discuss the formulation of detailed proposals regarding the new constitution and any other matters bearing on the grant of responsible government, and the findings of the inquiry will, of course, be available to him. In these circumstances, it is the opinion of His Majesty's Government that the appointment of a Royal Commission is not only unneccessary, but might further delay the restoration of responsible self-government in Malta.
§ Mr. BerryIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the appointment of a Royal Commission would be received with much greater pleasure in Malta than the appointment of a single commissioner, who would be regarded merely as an expert?
§ The Prime MinisterI disagree. We want to get on with the job there, and not wait for a Royal Commission, which sometimes takes a very long time.