§ 89. Mr. Teelingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many prosecutions have taken place; how many convictions have resulted; and what has been the punishment, as the result of rowdy meetings in the Malta referendum campaign and, in particular, before the Governor's broadcast from London.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydArising out of incidents at a meeting of the Progressive Constitutional Party at Sliema on 15th January, three persons were prosecuted, of whom one was sentenced to five days' detention, one was fined £1 with the option of eight days' detention and one was acquitted. A fourth person charged with striking the Hon. Mabel Strickland has been convicted and sentenced to 20 days' detention, but has given notice of appeal.
Arising out of incidents at a meeting of the Nationalist Party in Gozo on 29th January, four persons were prosecuted, two of whom were sentenced to seven days' detention, one to ten days' detention and one acquitted. A further case is pending.
Arising out of incidents at an indoor meeting of the Nationalist Party at Mqabba on 26th January, two prosecutions are pending, and five other alleged cases are under investigation.