HC Deb 19 October 1949 vol 468 cc544-5
42. Mr. Blackburn

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the total of the financial assistance given or allocated to Malta since the end of the European war; and how many Maltese are employed by the British Government to-day as against the figure for 1938.

Mr. Creech Jones

The total assistance granted or allocated by His Majesty's Government to Malta during this period is £22,775,000. This is in addition to a gift of £10 million made during the war towards war damage reconstruction, which increased by interest to £11 million.

As regards the second part of the Question 18,707 Maltese civilians are employed today by the United Kingdom Government in Malta as against 11,164 in 1938. These figures do not include Maltese actually in the Armed Forces or Maltese civilians employed by contractors on works on behalf of the Service Departments in Malta.

Mr. Blackburn

While I express gratification at this answer may I ask will the right hon. Gentleman deal with the very serious issue, which has been used against His Majesty's Government, that apparently Italy is receiving Marshall Aid while Malta is not receiving Marshall Aid? Would my right hon. Friend explain the position quite clearly?

Mr. Creech Jones

I would welcome a further Question on the point in regard to Marshall Aid, but I would point out that Malta does draw benefits from the agreements which have already been made under this particular system.

Sir Ralph Glyn

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think, in view of the mis-statements circulated in Malta, that it would be very helpful if a White Paper could be issued including everything this country has done for Malta and the actual position as regards labour?

Mr. Creech Jones

I am quite prepared to consider that suggestion, but there is already information in White Papers which have been issued from time to time in this country. We will see what further publicity can be given.

Mr. Eden

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that these scattered bits of information and a variety of White Papers have no effect on the public mind at all? I think the House as a whole would like the record of what has been done to be categorically stated.