§ 82. Mr. Huntasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representation he has made to the Maltese Government regarding the threatened seizure of British property on the island; and if he will make a statement on the present position.
§ Mr. HattersleyMy right hon. Friend has not made any representations to the Maltese Government on this matter. There has been no threatened seizure of British property in Malta. A draft bill at present before the Maltese House of Representatives—the Immovable Property (Acquisition by Non-Residents) Act 1974—received a formal First Reading in that House on 24th June. It would prevent the acquisition of property by non-residents except with the specific consent of the Maltese Minister of Housing. As at present drafted, it would authorise the Minister to permit the ownership by non-residents of one property, but so far there has been little 487W further indication of its full aim and scope.