§ Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallettasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money has been granted directly by this country to Malta since the war; and what approximate additional sum has been spent in Malta since the war in the form of defence expenditure.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI have been asked to reply. Direct grants by Her Majesty's Government to the Maltese Government since the beginning of the financial year 1946–47 total £27,540,130. This includes expenditure of £14,324,000 from the £20 million granted under the Malta (Reconstruction) Act, 1947, but excludes expenditure of £6,720,397 since 1946–47 from a grant of £10 million made in 1943. With regard to that part of the Question which relates to defence expenditure, I understand that information is not readily available. I will pursue the matter and arrange for a letter to be sent to the hon. Member.