HC Deb 11 May 1959 vol 605 cc844-5
18. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply has been given to the request of Mr. Dom Mintoff that the question of Malta's independence should be discussed at the Foreign Ministers' Conference at Geneva.

Mr. P. Williams

On a point of order. I wonder whether you could give the House some guidance in this matter, Mr. Speaker. This Question is related to Malta's independence. Malta is still a Colony and questions on Malta are normally answered by the Colonial Secretary. Is it in order for this Question to be put to the Foreign Office?

Mr. Speaker

The Foreign Office thinks so. The Colonial Office thinks so, too, or it would not have agreed to its transfer. If the hon. Gentleman looks at the Question, he will see that it refers to the Foreign Ministers' Conference at Geneva.

Mr. Profumo

It has been agreed between the four Governments that the agenda of the Foreign Ministers' Conference at Geneva should be "questions relating to Germany, including a peace treaty with Germany and the question of Berlin". Even if this had not been the case, the future of Malta would not be a proper subject for discussion at the Geneva Conference. Mr. Mintoff is being so informed.

Mr. Brockway

Is not this another instance of how colonial peoples are now looking towards an international authority rather than the old imperial authorities which have controlled them in the past—

An Hon. Member

Ask Hungary.

Mr. Brockway

I asked about Hungary at the time of Hungary—and will not the Minister anticipate the growing feeling among subject people that they wish to appeal to international authorities for their independence?

Mr. Profumo

That certainly is not a proper subject for the Foreign Office.