§ 67. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that on St. George's Day, 15th April, the date on which the Island of Malta received the award of the George Cross, a set of new postage stamps has been issued each year, the benefits from the proceeds from the sale of these George Cross stamps being given to the dependants of Maltese civilians killed through enemy action; why these were not issued this year; and what alternative help is being given to these dependants.
§ Mr. AlportYes. No special issue is being made this year to avoid clashing with the Pauline Celebrations issue and a further issue commemorating the centenary of the first Malta stamp. The net proceeds from the sale of George Cross stamps were used to provide supplementary benefits to war victims and their dependants.
The Malta Government are seeking an alternative method of providing such supplementary benefits, which are of course additional to benefits at established rates to which those concerned are entitled under the Malta Government.