§ LORD TREFGARNEMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Malta Round Table Conference will be assisted by the addition of one or more authorities on constitutional law and practice sitting as members, and whether the Maltese representatives to be called into consultation will have the advice of any such authorities before submitting their views.]
THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (LORD LLOYD)My Lords, a statement regarding membership of the Round Table Conference will be made as soon as consultations through the usual channels are completed. Her Majesty's Government assume that representatives of the political Parties in the Maltese Legislative Assembly to be called into consultation will make their own arrangements for obtaining any advice on constitutional law and practice that they may require.
§ LORD TREFGARNEMy Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for his reply, may I ask him whether he can at least give an assurance that the possibility of similar claims arising from other Colonies in like case to Malta will be clearly placed before the Conference before they commit themselves to any recommendation, whether by constitutional advice or otherwise?
LORD LLOYDMy Lords, I am sure that the Conference, which is obviously aware of all matters which might arise, will consider what the noble Lord has said.