§ 83. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress is being made towards the framing of a new Constitution for Malta and what further steps are being taken for the rehabilitation of the island.
Mr. Creech JonesThe Constitutional Commissioner, Sir Harold MacMichael, who visited Malta last summer for local consultations, has submitted his report, which is at present under consideration. My intention is that this report, together with a White Paper containing His Majesty's Government's proposals regarding the form of the new constitution, should be published shortly. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to my predecessor's statement of 9th July, of which I am sending him a copy, regarding the financial assistance to be made available to the Malta Government for the rehabilitation of the island. The necessary legislation will be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time permits.