§ 9. Mr. Teelingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the negotiations with the Government of Malta concerning integration and local employment.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe recent negotiations presided over by my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State were mainly concerned with the constitutional arrangements for integration, on which fully worked out proposals are now ready for consideration by both Governments. The intention is that the detailed plan, when agreed, should be published as a White Paper. In this connection, I consider that we are approaching the stage when we can implement the undertaking I gave to my hon. Friend on 8th May. I expect, therefore, shortly to be asking the Governor to consult the Archbishop of Malta on the proposals in so far as they concern the Church.
On local employment, ways and means were discussed of encouraging industrial development and the future of the dockyard. An Industrial Advisory Committee under Lord Hives and with a distinguished membership has been set up and will start work shortly. The Maltese Delegation made representations about the future of the dockyard. No decision has yet been taken on that question.
§ Mr. TeelingWhile being very grateful to my right hon. Friend for saying that he 1123 will discuss this matter with the Archbishop, may I ask if it is not possible, in order to make the result more unanimous whenever it is announced, for him also to discuss it with the opposition groups in Malta, or get Mr. Mintoff to do it?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAs things are working out, I think these groups will have more chance to make their views clear than was originally the case. There will be a White Paper, and discussion on it will precede any legislation.