Referendum

HC Deb 24 April 1964 vol 693 cc213-4W

Mr. Bottomley

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies whether, for the guidance of the electors in the forthcoming referendum in Malta, he will state the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding the interpretation to be placed on a "Yes" vote, a "No" vote, a spoilt or blank vote, and an abstention; and what is now his policy regarding the grant of independence when the result of the referendum is known.

Mr. Sandys

I shall naturally regard a "Yes" vote as implying that the elector approves the constitution for independence proposed by the Government of Malta. I shall regard a "No" vote as implying that the elector either wants independence under another type of constitution, or that he is opposed to independence at present. If there should he an abnormal number of spoilt or blank votes, or abstentions, I shall endeavour to determine what significance should be attached to them. If the referendum produces a decisive affirmative vote, we shall proceed at once with the grant of independence under a constitution on the lines framed by the Malta Government, with such amendments as the British Government

£ million
Services	1951–52	1952–53	1953–54	1954–55	1955–56	1956–57
Pharmaceutical	…	—	4.8	6.7	6.3	7.0	7.9
General Dental	…	1.8	5.5	6.5	6.9	7.3	7.8
Supplementary Ophthalmic	…	2.4	4.1	4.6	4.9	5.2	5.2
Hospital	…	2.9	3.5	3.7	3.8	3.9	4.2
Local Health Authority	…	2.0	2.2	2.4	2.4	2.6	2.9
TOTAL	…	9.1	20.1	23.9	24.3	26.0	28.0

£ million
Services	1957–58	1958–59	1959–60	1960–61	1961–62	1962–63	1963–64 (estimated)
Pharmaceutical	11.1	10.9	11.4	11.9	20.1	20.3	21.8
General Dental	8.2	8.4	8.9	9.3	9.9	10.2	10.5
Supplementary Ophthalmic	5.2	5.1	5.3	5.4	6.3	6.5	7.0
Hospital	4.4	4.7	5.3	5.7	6.4	6.9	7.2
Local Health Authority	2.9	3.1	3.5	3.9	4.2	4.5	4.7
TOTAL	31.8	32.2	34.4	36.2	46.9	48.4	51.2

may think it necessary to make after further consultation with the Prime Minister or Malta. If the result of the referendum should prove inconclusive, the whole position will obviously have to be reviewed afresh.