§ 40. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Maltese emigrants have left the island during the past 12 months; and what are his plans for assisting Maltese emigration to other parts of the Commonwealth.
Mr. McNeilMy right hon. Friend is informed that 2,662 Maltese emigrants left the Island during the past 12 months. As regards the second half of the Question, responsibility for emigration now rests with the Malta Government which has set up a separate department for this purpose.
§ Mr. GammansIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the shortage of trained labour in different parts of the Empire, including East Africa, and are His Majesty's Government taking all the steps possible to fill these vacancies, not by Italians, but by people from Malta?
Mr. McNeilI understand His Majesty's Government are in consultation with the Government of Malta and are willing to consider any practical proposals.