§ 15. Mr. Teelingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when, and for how long, Mr. Barker Benfield was appointed Chairman of the Malta Tourist Board; how much money was allocated for the Board's expenditure over five years and how much of this was spent in the first two years; whether Mr. Barker Benfield is now in 3 Malta; and what proposals Her Majesty's Government now have in view of the annual reports of the Director of Audit for 1958–59 and 1959–60.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodMr. Barker Benfield was appointed Chairman of the Malta Government Tourist Board by the Malta Government in September, 1958, on a one-year contract. This was extended by mutual agreement for a further year in September, 1959. Mr. Barker Benfield resigned his appointment in June, 1960, and has not been employed in Malta since then.
I have asked the Governor for the information asked for in the remainder of the question, and will write to my hon. Friend when I have received it.
§ Mr. TeelingCan my right hon. Friend tell us anything about this gentleman, in view of the fact that he was the only non-Maltese appointed to the Tourist Board and, presumably, he was appointed by the Colonial Office?
§ Mr. MacleodI do not know very much about the original appointment. I should like to have the Governor's comments on the matters which my hon. Friend raises in his Question before I write to him on it.
§ Mr. BrockwayIf there is to be a likelihood of the tourist industry expanding in Malta, is it possible that the land now under military occupation along that magnificent coast road will be released so that tourist activities can advance?
§ Mr. MacleodNo. I could not give any undertaking about that. Tourism is of great importance to Malta and has been going ahead fast in recent years.