HC Deb 02 May 1956 vol 552 cc396-7
57. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a further statement in respect of constitutional changes in Malta.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I have nothing to add to the statement made to the House by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 28th March.

Mr. Sorensen

Does the Secretary of State appreciate that this matter is of such very great importance, both to this country and to Malta, and that hon. Members should be invited to hear what progress has been made towards the adoption of the proposals or otherwise?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

We are making quite considerable progress, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement. I saw with interest that in the Maltese Assembly on 4th April Mr. Mintoff said that legislation, may take about a year to put through. This is a very big business, but it must be done.

Mr. E. L. Mallalieu

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that Her Majesty's Government will not support a proposal to change the electoral system in Malta in order to get an overwhelming majority to the integration proposals?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I have another Question on that.