§ 57. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what recent changes have taken place in the powers of magistrates in Malta; to what extent 61W they are grouped with civil servants; and what protests have been made by the advocates of the island against this change.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodTo the first part of the Question the answer is "None".
The appointment and tenure of office of magistrates is dealt with by that Part of the Malta (Constitution) Order in Council, 1959, dealing with the Public Service, whereas the appointment and tenure of office of judges of the superior courts is dealt with in a separate Part of the Order entitled "the Judicature". The magistrates have represented that they properly form part of the Judiciary and should therefore be dealt with by that Part of the Constitution dealing with the Judiciary. I am advised that the magistrates are justified in their contention, and accordingly propose to submit an amending Order to Her Majesty in Council at a convenient opportunity.