§ Mr. Maurice Edelman (Coventry, North)On 20th June this House gave leave of absence to four of its Members to present on its behalf a bookcase to the Malta House of Representatives to mark Malta's independence and her entry into the Commonwealth.
The delegation consisted of the hon. Member for Dorset, West (Mr. Wingfield Digby), the hon. and gallant Member for Winchester (Rear-Admiral Morgan Giles), the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Miss Lestor) and myself. We were accompanied by Mr. David Scott, Clerk of Standing Committees.
I am happy to report that this mission was duly accomplished, and that on 12th July, 1967, at a special sitting of the House of Representatives in Malta the following Resolution, moved by the Prime Minister of Malta and seconded by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Malta, was unanimously passed:
That this House accepts with thanks and appreciation the gift of a Bookcase and a number of Parliamentary and Constitutional Books of Reference from the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to mark the attainment of Malta's independence and her entry into the Commonwealth.The visit of our delegation to the House of Representatives was described there as an historic occasion, since it was the first time that any representatives of an overseas Legislature had had the opportunity both of attending a sitting and speaking from the Floor of the House. The warmth of the welcome which we received was a testimony to the high degree of friendship which the Maltese people feel for Great Britain. We, for our part, had the great pleasure in assuring our hosts that our friendship for Malta and our regard for the heroic citizens of the island remain as firm as ever.Despite recent difficulties, we were encouraged in the hope that Malta, in conjunction with Britain, will be able to solve the problems which face her. Everywhere we went, we were profoundly impressed by the sympathy, understanding and faith which the Maltese displayed in the links which join our two countries together. The graciousness with which the gift from this House was received, and the hospitality which our hosts 334 showed to their parliamentary visitors, seen to me to be a very happy augury for the future of our two countries.
It is for that reason that I have particular pleasure in conveying this Resolution to the House and to yourself, Mr. Speaker. I hope that, in accordance with precedent, you will direct that this Resolution be entered in the Journal of the House.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe House would wish to thank the delegation for carrying out so excellently the duty which we imposed upon it, and the Resolution which the head of the delegation has conveyed to the House will appear in the Journal of the House.