§ Mr. Wyattasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a resolution has been passed by the Legislative Assembly of Malta protesting 138W against the decision to enact an ordinance under reserved powers to provide for Custom privileges for the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation personnel in Malta; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydYes. I have received a copy of this Resolution, which both the Governor and I have under careful study. The passage of the Ordinance is, however, unavoidable as a defence matter arising out of Her Majesty's Government's obligations, as a member of N.A.T.O. From the course of the debate in the Legislative Assembly, I gather that the objection is against the use of the Governor's power to legislate on "reserved matters," not of course against N.A.T.O. itself, and I am quite prepared in the light of the Legislative Assembly's Resolution, to discuss the constitutional implications of the action taken as one item in a general discussion with Maltese party leaders about the Home Office offer which as the hon. Member knows, I have proposed to the Prime Minister of Malta.