HC Deb 12 April 1962 vol 657 cc1481-2
20. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any adjustments will be made to the Constitution of Malta as a result of his conversations with the Prime Minister of Malta.

26. Sir W. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on his talks with the Prime Minister of Malta.

Mr. Maudling

I have discussed with the Prime Minister of Malta a number of suggestions he has made for alterations to the Constitution. I finally conveyed to him yesterday my willingness to accept the majority of his proposals, and I am awaiting his reply.

Mr. Wall

While welcoming my right hon. Friend's agreement with the Prime Minister of Malta, and particularly the display of confidence this shows in the new Maltese Government, may I ask when it is likely that these Amendments will come into effect when they are finally agreed; will they come into effect immediately?

Mr. Maudling

I cannot see why there should be any delay, but I am awaiting the Prime Minister's reply.

Sir W. Teeilng

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the many friends of Malta here are very pleased that the Prime Minister of Malta has, in four weeks, been able to get as much as we understand he has got from a rather grudging and slightly mistrustful Colonial Office? Will my right hon. Friend, in the next few days, while the Prime Minister of Malta is still here, do everything possible to come to a final decision? And, eventually, can we please have a debate on the whole Malta question?

Mr. Maudling

The question of a debate is not, of course, for me. I have been doing my best to reach agreement with the Prime Minister of Malta, and I am very anxious to do so, because there is one point on which I have found great difficulty. I cannot accept that it is right for Malta to be in danger of the public service of the island becoming a matter of political patronage.

Mr. Awbery

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what agreement was reached with Dr. Olivier when he was here, what subjects were agreed to and those that were disagreed, and will he give the reasons why he disagreed?

Mr. Maudling

I intend to do that. I should have liked to have done it in answer to Questions today, but I do not think I can do so until I have heard from the Prime Minister.