HC Deb 09 February 1949 vol 461 c360
24. Mr. Lennox-Boyd

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why it is still considered essential for entry permits to be obtained by would be travellers to Malta; and in view of the delay occasioned by obtaining them from Malta, why such permits, if essential, cannot be made available in London.

Mr. Creech Jones

As Malta is a fortress certain safeguards are essential from a security aspect. Also the extreme shortage of accommodation resulting from war damage necessitates control over the entry of visitors which cannot be exercised satisfactorily from the United Kingdom. The possibility is being examined of affording some relief from this control in order to ensure that no obstacle will be placed in the way of bona fide tourists and others whose entry will be beneficial to Malta, and I expect to receive details from the Governor shortly.