HC Deb 31 October 1956 vol 558 cc1439-40
48. Mr. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the present position of the medical profession in Malta ; and why the commission from this country on medical matters has not yet left England.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

As I indicated to my hon. Friend in my reply of the 25th July, the subject matter of his Question is one for Maltese Ministers and the Maltese Medical Officers' Union, and my concern in the matter has been confined to recommending an independent chairman, which I have done.

Mr. Teeling

Does my right hon. Friend realise how anxious the medical profession in Malta is getting at what it considers to be an increase in dictatorship, especially the fact that the police are taking so much interest in doctors' prescriptions and things like that? Also, does he realise that the police can act only under the Commissioner, who is in turn employed by the Minister of Police, who happens also to be Prime Minister?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

No doubt the Maltese Ministers will take steps to meet any statements made by my hon. Friend the Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Mr. Teeling), but it is not a matter for me.

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