HC Deb 14 May 1952 vol 500 c1430
39. Mr. Douglas Dodds-Parker

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to expedite the shipping facilities for 1,500 women and children from Malta who wish to join their husbands in Australia.

Mr. Lyttelton

Under the present Constitution, responsibility for promoting emigation rests with Maltese Ministers and I have no initiative in the matter. I have, however, just received a request from them for assistance from Her Majesty's Government in connection with emigration generally, and this is now under consideration.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Will my right hon. Friend see if it is not possible in some way to assist in this very urgent problem, in view of the importance of helping emigrants from Malta and the discouraging effects of these long separations?

Mr. Lyttelton

That is just the question at which I am now looking.