§ 10. Mr. Russellasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is satisfied with the operation of the censorship on newspapers, periodicals and films imported into Malta; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd)This is a matter which is within the sphere of responsibility of Maltese Ministers. I understand, however, that they have the application of these regulations under review.
§ Mr. RussellIs my right hon. Friend aware that British newspapers, periodicals and films seem to take much longer to get admitted into Malta than do Italian ones? Does he know whether Maltese Ministers are looking into that complaint?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIn the days when we used to have newspapers, I remember reading an inaccurate statement to the effect that censorship in Malta was directed by the Colonial Office. That is quite untrue. It is a matter solely within the discretion of Maltese Ministers to regulate the import of matter which they locally consider to be indecent. obscene, or impious. I understand that political and other considerations do not generally enter into this point of view.