§ 26. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that a considerable part of the unrest in Malta is due to the fact that there has been no elected Government on the island for twelve months; and if he will now take steps to prepare for the restoration of a representative Parliament.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydHer Majesty's Government regret the circumstances which led to the breakdown of representative government last April and the failure of their efforts since then to get a sufficient measure of agreement with the political parties to enable new elections to be held. It remains their aim to restore representative government to Malta as soon as possible, but I cannot say when it will be possible to take the next steps.
§ Mr. AwberyIs it the responsibility of this Government to restore representative Government in Malta? Will the right hon. Gentleman approach the people responsible for restoring representative Government as quickly as possible?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydYes, but that is not the only responsibility. Another is to see
a sound and expanding economy to create those institutions which will help to safeguard the independence of the judiciary, the public service and the police in the future and to encourage all genuine attempts to work out proposals for Malta's future.These, also, are great considerations.