§ 41. Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the concern in Malta at the prospect of substantial redundancy in the dockyard; 392 in view of this, what are the prospects in this connection; and what special efforts are being made to attract, if necessary, the repair of merchant shipping as well as light industries and to develop the tourist industry.
§ Mr. ProfumoMy right hon. Friend and I are well aware of the concern in Malta at the prospect of substantial redundancy in the dockyard, and this matter has been discussed at the current talks with the Maltese delegation. But, as I said in reply to my hon. Friend, the Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Mr. Teeling), on 25th July, final decisions have not yet been reached on long-term defence plans in relation to Malta and it has been agreed that before any final decisions are taken there will be discussions between the United Kingdom and Maltese Governments. As regards the third part of the Question, an announcement of the appointment of a Commission for the purpose will be made shortly.