Integration

HC Deb 03 December 1957 vol 579 cc207-8

34. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a further statement on the present position of the negotiations with the Prime Minister of Malta regarding the integration of the Colony with the United Kingdom.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I have nothing to add at this moment to my reply to my hon. Friend, the Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Mr. Teeling) on 14th November.

Mr. Brockway

Could not the right hon. Gentleman clarify the position? Is he aware that the Prime Minister of Malta has made statements which suggest that the progress of integration will depend largely upon the decision about the use of the dockyard and that the Government have now said that there will be provision of work at the dockyard for three years? Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether that is the case?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

These are separate issues. Very good progress is being made with the proposals for closer union and integration with Malta on the political plane. I have made the statement, and I repeat it, that there is no question of the dockyard being closed overnight. That statement was repeated by Mr. Mintoff a day or two ago.

Mr. Callaghan

As we have not had that information in the House, would the right hon. Gentleman confirm the statement that there is to be at least three years' work in the dockyard at the present level?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The statement which Mr. Mintoff attributed to me he was entitled to do. The statement was made by me.

Mr. Callaghan

Did he interpret it correctly?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

There were a number of other phrases in it. It is better that the statement should be read as a whole.

Mr. Callaghan

Will the right hon. Gentleman publish the statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT so that the House can see it?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Certainly.