General Election

HC Deb 12 April 1962 vol 657 cc1480-1

15. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what were the reasons for preventing the Malta Labour Party from broadcasting during the period of the election, in view of the fact that their political opponents were given such facilities.

Mr. Maudling

Broadcasting facilities were offered to all political parties in proportion to their estimated strength. The Malta Labour Party made one broadcast in January, but when it was asked to re-write the script of a second broadcast because it contravened the provisions of the Broadcasting Ordinance it decided to make no further broadcasts at all.

Mr. Awbery

Will the Minister give an assurance that in future the Labour Party of Malta will be given the same opportunity as the other parties of expressing its opinion on the wireless?

Mr. Maudling

I see no reason to suppose that anything other took place.

Mr. G. M. Thomson

In view of the general disquiet over the background of this election, would the Minister arrange to put in the Library the script of this broadcast that was banned, and the section to which objection was taken, so that we may make up our own minds about it?

Mr. Maudling

I will certainly consider that, but the point is that there is this Ordinance, and it is clearly the responsibility of the authorities in Malta to see that all parties, whoever they may be, fall in line with the provisions of that Ordinance.

16. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what representations on the subject of the Malta general election were made to him and the Governor of Malta by the Malta Labour Party and the Socialist International about two months before the general election on the island; what were the terms of the statement; and what reply was sent.

Mr. Maudling

About six weeks before the elections Mr. Mintoff made certain complaints to the Governor about alleged bias on the part of the police and other authorities and sent a copy of them to me. These complaints were discussed with the Governor, but neither the Governor nor I was able to accept them. I have received no representations from the Socialist International.

Mr. Awbery

Is the Colonial Secretary aware that the position was so serious six and eight weeks before the election that representation was made to the Governor, and nothing was done; that representation was also made to the Colonial Secretary in this House, and nothing was done? Now, when we call for an inquiry into the whole position, I hope that something will be done about it.

Mr. Maudling

Nothing was done because it was not thought that the representations warranted it.

Mr. Healey

But is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have myself received documents that contain some very serious allegations about the conduct of these elections? Would he agree to meet me and a number of my hon. Friends in order to discuss those allegations?

Mr. Maudling

Yes, Sir, certainly.