§ 14. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to provide alternative employment for the men who are to be discharged from the naval base at Malta; how many now industries have been set up on the island during the past three years; and how many persons are employed in them.
§ Mr. SandysThe Government of Malta are at present engaged in revising their Development Plan with particular regard to the provision of additional employment. I am informed that in the last three years 22 new industries have been started and that these are at present employing about 800 persons.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Minister aware that there is a deep feeling of frustration and anxiety among workers in the dockyard and that the Flag Officer recently told members of the General Workers' Union that a large number of them would be dsmissed and that this was an irrevocable decision? Are we turning the island into a distressed area? If the Government are sacking people 210 in the dockyard, they should not do so with the impunity that the Prime Minister sacks members of the Cabinet. We shall protest if the Government decide to do that.
§ Mr. SandysThe Cabinet do not have a workers' charter. I understand that the Government of Malta are studying plans to provide alternative employment for those discharged. As soon as they are ready, I shall be happy to discuss these matters with them.
§ Mr. WallIs my right hon. Friend aware that when the former Prime Minister of Malta was faced with a problem such as unemployment he received considerable help from this country? Can my right hon. Friend assure the House that the present Prime Minister will be treated as generously in the difficulties which now face him?
§ Mr. SandysWe do not discriminate between Prime Ministers.