§ Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in the economic advance of Malta since the suspension of the Constitution.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodAfter the breakdown of the constitutional talks at the end of 1958, when it became clear that a return to an elected form of government would be delayed, the Government of Malta pressed forward with economic planning and in particular with the preparation of the 5-year Development Plan. The Plan, which was published in October, 1959, provides the basis for a diversification of the economy by industrialisation, the commercialisation of the dockyard and the development of the tourist trade, with substantial capital aid from Her Majesty's Government. To assist this process the Malta Government Tourist Board was set up at the end of 1958 and the Aids to Industries Board in May, 1959. Ten industrial projects have already been approved, providing for a total capital investment of over £1 million and new employment of more than 1,500. Two substantial resort hotel projects have been approved and several schemes are in the process of negotiation.