HL Deb 11 May 1964 vol 258 cc6-7

2.45 p.m.

THE EARL OF LISTOWEL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government to state their policy in regard to the Independence Constitution submitted by referendum to the electorate of Malta, in view of the fact that it was not supported by a majority of the electorate.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS AND FOR THE COLONIES (THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE)

My Lords, my right honourable friend is arranging to see the Prime Minister of Malta as soon as possible. I am sure that noble Lords will appreciate that no statement can be made prior to this meeting.

THE EARL OF LISTOWEL

My Lords, of course I entirely accept what the noble Marquess has said, but perhaps I may ask this further question. In view of the fact that it is the Government's intention that Malta should be independent by the 31st of this month, do the Government intend to adhere to that intention, or will they allow sufficient time for reconsideration of the Constitution of Malta with the Prime Minister and any other interested parties who may be consulted between now and then?

THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE

My Lords, I thought I had made it clear in my Answer that my right honourable friend is going to see the Prime Minister of Malta as soon as he possibly can. Clearly, as we approach the date, May 31, the likelihood of independence being possible by this date becomes more remote.

THE EARL OF LISTOWEL

My Lords, may I ask the noble Marquess whether he does not agree that it is desirable for the people of Malta—for whom independence is probably the most important event in their history—to know at the earliest possible moment whether or not they will be independent at the end of this month? In view of the factors he stresses, indicating delay, would it not be desirable to inform them immediately that it will be impossible for the date of independence, which was intended to be not later than May 31, to be adhered to?

THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE

My Lords, I am afraid that I cannot anticipate the results of the conversations between my right honourable friend and the Prime Minister of Malta.