HC Deb 08 February 1956 vol 548 cc185-6W
90. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if Her Majesty's Government will make it clear to all individuals and parties concerned with the future of Malta that no British Government can bind its successors.

97. Mr. R. Bell

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will ensure that it is made clear to everyone concerned in Malta that no assurance given by Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom can bind any Parliament of the United Kingdom, and that no Parliament of the United Kingdom can bind either itself or its successors.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am sure that all concerned with the future of Malta are well aware of the constitutional fact that no British Parliament or Government can bind its successors. At the same time, they will not fail to conclude from the history of the last 150 years that assurances such as those given by Her Majesty's Government and the leaders of all political parties in the House on 1st February concerning paragraph 79 of the Report of the Malta Round Table Conference, having been scrupulously observed in the past, will be so honoured in the future.