§ Captain Kerbyasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government is planning any changes in the timing and scope of the defence reductions in Malta, in view of concern there over the economic situation and of increasing political pressure on the Maltese Government by a foreign Power.
§ Mr. BowdenHer Majesty's Government have listened very carefully to representations made by the Malta Government on the reductions envisaged by the British Government as a result of the Defence Review and put to them during Lord Beswick's visit to Malta in August. Further consultations with the Malta Government in accordance with our obligations under Article 6 of the Defence Agreement are due to take place in mid-December and I must ask the hon. Member to await their outcome.