Governor's Council

HC Deb 10 March 1959 vol 601 cc1050-1

6. Sir P. Agnew

asked the Secretary at State for the Colonies how free the Governor of Malta will be, under the new arrangements for direct rule, to invite to serve on the Governor's Council persons with experience in political and public life in Malta, even though they may not be representative of labour, commerce or the professions.

37. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will now state the names of the Maltese members of the projected Council for Malta; and what representative qualifications they possess.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

It is intended that the new arrangements should give the Governor discretion to invite to serve on his Council those persons he considers best qualified. I cannot yet give names.

Sir P. Agnew

Is it to be taken from that reply that people with experience in public and political life will not be excluded from receiving invitations even though they have not the other qualifications mentioned?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Certainly.

Mr. Brockway

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet succeeded in finding any representative Maltese person prepared to serve upon this utterly dictatorial Council?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I do not, of course, accept the hon. Gentleman's description of the Council. The Governor is not yet ready to issue invitations.