§ 28. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, if he will initiate discussions with the leaders of the previous Government of Malta with a view to breaking the existing deadlock over a new election; and if he will give an assurance that further steps, beyond those contemplated in the report of the Blood Commission, will be taken towards ensuring self-government of the island.
§ Mr. MaudlingI am not aware that a deadlock exists and, as I informed the hon. Member on 9th November, arrangements are going ahead for elections to be held from 17th to 19th February. It has never been suggested that the new constitution represents the final stage in Malta's constitutional advancement, and I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, South (Sir R. Robinson) on 7th November.