HC Deb 16 July 1957 vol 573 c930
6. Mr. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the present position of the negotiations with Malta; when he will make a statement on the employment situation there; and what is the latest offer made by Her Majesty's Government to the Maltese Government.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am hoping to have talks in a day or two with the Prime Minister, who is over here for medical consultation.

Mr. Teeling

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that we have only a little more than a fortnight before the Recess and that after that we shall be away for about three months? Will he bear in mind that many of us will feel that perhaps we are being treated a little casually if we are not told something before the House rises?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

We are dealing with very big issues which cannot always be settled to correspond with Parliamentary sittings, but I hope that my hon. Friend agrees that even in Recess I still know what he feels.

Mr. E. L. Mallalieu

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this proposal to integrate Malta and the United Kingdom has struck the imagination of decent-minded people not only in the Commonwealth but all over the world and that there is a feeling abroad that he and his right hon. Friends are dragging their feet in this matter?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

That is quite untrue. My views remain unchanged, but I would not accuse those who disagree with me of indecency.

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