§ 28. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and for the Colonies if he is aware of the ambiguity of the question to be put by referendum to the Maltese people and, in view of his decision to be guided by the referendum if it is fair and free, what information he has as to whether its wording will be open to prior amendment by the Maltese Parliament.
§ 30. Mr. Bottomleyasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and for the Colonies what steps he is taking to ensure that the referendum in Malta is conducted on a fair basis, particularly as regards facilities for broadcasting and the holding of political meetings.
§ Mr. SandysI have no responsibility for the conduct of the referendum or for the choice of the question to be put to the electors. I shall, however, do my best to assess from the results the wishes of the Maltese people. As I have already told the House, in order to assist me I190W propose to appoint observers to advise as to whether the referendum was held under conditions which were fair and free.