§ Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has decided on a date on which the new constitution of Malta will become operative; and if he will make a further attempt to reach agreement with the representatives of the Maltese people before that date.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI cannot at present add to my statement of 8th March. I said I hoped it would be possible to hold elections before the end of the year. Of course I remain very willing to meet representatives of any or all the Maltese political parties, if they so wish, to discuss the reintroduction of elected government in Malta. I have told Mr. Mintoff this in reply to a recent approach by him. My statement of 8th March makes clear the basis on which such consultations could usefully take place.