§ 42. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the unsettled state of the island of Malta is discouraging industrialists from regarding it as a potential field of investment which would create a viable economy on the island as the use of the dockyard diminishes; and what steps are being taken to reassure them.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydYes, Sir. I am very concerned at recent events in Malta, particularly the Assembly Resolution of 30th December, 1957, which have caused disquiet among potential investors. The responsibility for encouraging industrialists to Malta must of course lie primarily with the Government of Malta, but it is one of the matters which I am now pursuing with the Prime Minister of Malta.
§ Mr. AwberyHas the right hon. Gentleman given any consideration to the alteration of the naval dockyard into a repair dockyard to accommodate the tankers going through to the Mediterranean Sea to the oil bases? If the right hon. Gentleman is not prepared to consider doing this himself, would he encourage private enterprise to do it by making some kind of grant?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI certainly welcome that observation in the House. That is exactly what is happening.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsIn order to end the unsettlement, which is partly due to the fact that it is now two years since this House approved the project for a settlement, is there a prospect that this matter will be carried to a successful conclusion by the talks that the right hon. Gentleman is having now with the Maltese Prime Minister?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI am very keen on expedition.