§ 11 and 12. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) to what extent the position of the Malta dockyards and the plans for their future use were discussed with the Governor of the island at his recent talks; and what alteration has been made in the policy previously laid down by the Government;
(2) to what extent the constitutional processes have worked themselves out since the Government's decision to reduce the contribution to Malta to £5 million; and, since the island is without an elected Government, what steps he now proposes to take to bring about a settlement of the island's problems.
§ 31. Mr. Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on his recent discussions with the Governor of Malta, especially in regard to the constitutional and industrial future of the island.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI have as yet nothing to add to my Answer of 10th June to Questions by my hon. Friends the Members for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) and Sunderland, North (Mr. P. Williams).
§ Mr. AwberyCan the hon. Gentleman inform us whether any negotiations have taken place with any commercial undertaking with a view to converting the naval dockyard into a dry dock?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe are having talks with certain commercial undertakings about the future of the docks after 1960.
§ Mr. CallaghanIs that holding up the statement, or is it something else that prevents the Minister reporting on his conversations with the Governor?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThat is a factor in the talks I am having with the Governor, which are so significant for the future of Malta. It is better that they should be prolonged than that we should arrive at hasty conclusions, but I can give an assurance that the statement will not be long delayed.