§ 5. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the law courts of Valetta were destroyed by enemy action in 1943 and are still in ruins; that the court has to sit in two different buildings causing great inconvenience; that the departments are scattered over the town; and, in view of this, when they are likely to be reconstructed.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThree hundred and ninety thousand pounds have been set aside in the Malta Government's Development Plan for the rebuilding of the law courts on their original site. The site has been cleared and the preparatory work put in hand. The plans formerly drawn up for reconstruction of the building have proved unsuitable and revised plans are now under consideration. It is intended that when completed the building, in addition to housing the courts, will provide some accommodation for those Government Departments whose work is closely related to the courts.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Minister aware that some two years ago plans were prepared for this building and that nothing has been done? Is the right hon. Gentleman further aware that for seventeen years this building has been in ruins and that there is no other place in the world where buildings similarly destroyed have not been replaced? Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake, now that the hundredth anniversary of the founding of Valetta will take place in two or three years' time, that the Opera House and the law courts will be rebuilt by that time?
§ Mr. MacleodI will not link them together. I think there is a considerable difference between the two. The Opera House is the subject of another Question. As for the law courts, special provision has been made in the plan, and although some reconsideration of the original design has been thought necessary, it remains an important part of the Development Plan.