§ 55. Mr. T. Reidasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the recent elections in Malta and the part played by Government officials therein.
§ Mr. HopkinsonI assume that the hon. Member is referring to allegations of interference made against certain senior officials of the Maltese Imperial Government. I understand that these allegations relate to a broadcast made by the Governor on 18th December, and the action of the Lieutenant-Governor on 21st February in bringing to the notice of the Commissioner of Police and the Attorney-General certain pamphlets which might have been considered likely to endanger public safety if distributed on the eve of the elections.
My right hon. Friend does not consider that there is any justification whatever for construing either of these actions as "interference" in the election.