§ 16. Sir W. Teelingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he proposes to implement the decisions reached by himself and the Prime Minister of Malta concerning alterations in the Malta Constitution.
§ 17. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the amendments to the Malta Constitution agreed with Dr. Borg Olivier will come into effect.
§ Mr. MaudlingAn amending Order in Council will be made as soon as possible.
§ Sir W. TeelingDoes my right hon. Friend realise that it will be very difficult for the Prime Minister of Malta to get on with this job, from the economic point of view especially, unless the Constitution is altered? Would it not be possible for my right hon. Friend to make alterations before the Prime Minister calls Parliament together, which will be in a week or ten days' time?
§ Mr. MaudlingIt would be quite impossible. The alterations would have to be drafted and submitted to a meeting of the Privy Council. Frankly, I cannot see that there is the slightest hindrance to the important task of carrying on economic functions in Malta before the changes are made.
§ Mr. WallWill my right hon. Friend say whether he has in mind further talks on constitutional developments for Malta or, what is more important, financial aid and economic planning?
§ Mr. MaudlingI have had discussions with the Prime Minister of Malta and we have agreed that at a later date we shall have further talks on both points.
§ Sir P. AgnewCan my right hon. Friend say that in the light of the proposed amendments there is now every opportunity for Malta to go ahead within the framework of the Constitution and establish herself as a viable State with a future?
§ Mr. MaudlingYes, Sir; there is every opportunity and every necessity for that.