§ Mr. J. Griffiths(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the recent discussions with the Prime Minister of Malta in regard to financial aid.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd)I hope to make a statement tomorrow.
§ Mr. GriffithsMay we take it from the Answer of the Secretary of State that discussions are proceeding to seek a solution to the deadlock reached last week, and may we hope that both sides will bend their energies to that effect?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI do not think it would help at all if I tried to anticipate my statement of tomorrow.
§ Mr. BevanMay we, for our part, be permitted to express the hope that a constitutional approach of such fruitfulness will not be shipwrecked on a mere peccadillo at this stage?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI would certainly share with the right hon. Member the hope that constitutional approaches will not be frustrated, but I ask him again to look at the Report of which he was a signatory, which had certain financial clauses in it.
§ Mr. GriffithsWe have no desire other than to see the question settled May we take it from the Answer of the Secretary of State that discussions are proceeding between him and the Prime Minister of Malta in the hope of settling the matter?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI must repeat what I said before. It would not be fruitful if I tried to anticipate the form which my statement will take tomorrow.