§ 2. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he and the Prime Minister of Malta will resume their talks on constitutional developments, financial aid and economic planning for Malta; and why the Leader of the Opposiiton in Malta is not being invited to attend.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Hugh Fraser)These talks on financial and economic matters began on 27th June and will be continued as soon as my right hon. Friend returns this week. The Malta Government have not suggested that the Leader of the Opposition in Malta should attend and it would not be appropriate in such intergovernmental discussions.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the position in Malta is becoming more serious every day and that there are now over 6,000 unemployed in the island who are waiting to know exactly what economic and financial aid the island is getting from this country? Is the hon. Gentleman further aware that the Leader of the Opposition on the island leads 16 Members and the Prime Minister leads 25 Members in the new Parliament? Is he aware that the Leader of the Opposition, in all probability, after the next election, will be the Prime Minister who will have to administer the regulations? Ought he not, therefore, to be present with the Prime Minister to discuss this problem with the Colonial Secretary?
§ Mr. FraserNo, Sir.