§ 22. Commander Nobleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will now make a statement on the discussions between his Department and the Ministry of Civil Aviation with regard to Luqa airport, Malta.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsDiscussions are still in progress. Arrangements are being made for the despatch of a mission to Malta early in the New Year to discuss certain outstanding questions concerning civil aviation, including the future use of Luqa airport.
§ Commander NobleIn view of the great concern this is causing to Malta, could not some interim report be issued on the discussions before the mission goes out?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe mission is going out in the middle of next month and I hope the report will be to hand very soon after that. I do not think there is any possibility of an interim report.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyIn carrying out these discussions, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the increasing unemployment in Malta, and see that they get a square deal in this matter?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsCertainly.