HC Deb 04 May 1955 vol 540 cc1663-4
7. Mr. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the Conference on the future of the Constitution of Malta will commence; and whether he will give an assurance that it will not begin until after the General Election.

Mr. Hopkinson

The date for the round-table talks arising out of the broad implications of the "Home Office offer" has not yet been finally decided, but I can certainly give the assurance asked for in the second part of the Question.

Mr. Teeling

Can my right hon. Friend tell us whether the Conference is likely to be held this summer, or whether it is more likely to be held in the autumn?

Mr. Hopkinson

Our hope is that the conference will be held as soon as convenient to all concerned after the General Election, but we know that the Prime Minister of Malta himself will not be ready until the middle of June.

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