§ 24. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the subject of the talks which Mr. Dom Mintoff, the Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament of Malta, has recently had in London with representatives of the British Government.
§ Mr. LytteltonMr. Mintoff recently paid a private visit to London. He did not come for official discussions with Her Majesty's Government, and none took place.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsWill the right hon. Gentleman consider in the near future whether it is possible to amplify the statement he made about the future constitution of Malta, because hon. Members are not quite sure whether it is just a transfer of office or whether it means eventual absorption? Will he consider making a rather fuller statement on the matter?
§ Mr. LytteltonThere is another Question on the Order Paper, and I would prefer not to answer that supplementary now; but if the right hon. Member is dissatisfied with my answer to that Question, perhaps he will put the supplementary question again.
§ Mr. HughesOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Am I not entitled to put a supplementary question? I was anticipated, 388 as so often happens, by the Opposition Front Bench. May I not put a supplementary question?
§ Mr. SpeakerI looked anxiously in the direction of the hon. and learned Member to see if he would rise but he did not, so I called the right hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths).
§ Mr. HughesMay I respectfully point out that I did rise at the same time as the occupant of the Front Bench rose?
§ Mr. SpeakerI did not observe it.
§ Mr. J. JohnsonMay I seek your guidance, Mr. Speaker? The Minister says that possibly he will answer a Question on a similar subject. That Question is in my name, Question No. 58. In case we do not reach it, may I ask whether the Minister will answer it now?
§ Mr. SpeakerI do not think that would be possible.