MALTA (Hansard, 21 February 1967)

§ Mr. Wall
Mr. Speaker, I ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, to call attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, The position of British troops in Malta. I submit that the matter is definite in that it concerns the future of British troops of all three Services and the 1439 whole future of Anglo-Maltese relations. It is urgent in that the latest information from Malta is that the Malta Government will announce their decision on whether they will reopen talks with the British Government in Parliament this evening and, if the decision is negative, I understand, the Third Reading of the Visiting Forces Bill will then be taken by the Malta Parliament. Today, therefore, might well be the last occasion on which the House of Commons could debate the matter because, once the Visiting Forces Bill is passed, it will be very difficult to alter the course of events.
I submit that it is a matter of public importance in that the passing and implementation of that Bill would make it impossible for British troops to be stationed in the George Cross island. This could have serious consequences for N.A.T.O. but above all, would bring to an end the long friendship between the British and Maltese peoples which has been strengthened in two world wars. Having known the Maltese people since I was a schoolboy, I do not believe that they are bluffing. I submit that, unless the Government can inform the House that talks are immediately to be reopened, the House should debate the whole situation today, as, in my submission, even a 24 hours' delay could make any subsequent action taken by the House ineffective.

§ Mr. Speaker
The hon. Gentleman asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 9 for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, The position of British forces in Malta. I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for informing me earlier this afternoon that he proposed to seek leave to move the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 9. I appreciate his anxiety, an anxiety which is shared by us all, including the Chair. But, in the present circumstances, there are many alleged facts which are either in dispute or not yet available to the House, and in such circumstances application for leave to move the Adjournment under Standing 1440 Order No. 9 has repeatedly been refused. I am afraid that I must take the same course and I cannot put the hon. Gentleman's application to the House.

§ Sir J. Langford-Holt
Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker.

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. I hope that the hon. Gentleman is not challenging Mr. Speaker's Ruling.

§ Sir J. Langford-Holt
No, Sir. I would like further guidance on the matter. This is a very difficult decision for you, Mr Speaker, and one realises that, but do we understand that, in order that leave may be given to mave the Adjournment under Standing Order No. 9, the general principle is that the thing must have become too late before it is urgent?

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. That is a criticism of the Chair's Ruling. I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman should make it. It has been the custom for some time that the Chair's Ruling under Standing Order No. 9 has been accepted.

§ Mr. Wall
Further to the point of order. May I ask, Mr. Speaker, if the queries of which you have spoken are cleared up tomorrow, whether you would be prepared to accept a similar request then?

§ Mr. Speaker
That is a matter which I must consider tomorrow. I cannot today commit myself for tomorrow.

§ Mr. Maudling
In the light of your Ruling, Mr. Speaker, would it be in order for me to ask whether a statement can be made at the earliest possible opportunity by the Government?

§ Mr. Speaker
That is a question not for me but for the Government, if any member of the Government wishes to answer.

§ The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Richard Crossman)
I have already given an assurance to the Leader of the Opposition on Thursday last that a statement on Malta will be made at the earliest possible moment.