§ Sir C. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what is the present situation about Bailey, Malta, Limited; and what compensation has been paid to this company.
§ Mr. BottomleyI would refer to the statement made to the House by my predecessor on 14th February, 1963. The situation remains substantially unchanged. The Council of Administration is exercising most of the functions of the Board of Bailey (Malta) Limited, these functions having been transferred to them by an act of the Malta Legislature. The dockyard, under the name of Malta Drydocks, is operating as a commercial ship repair yard under the local management of Messrs. Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson. At the request of the directors of Bailey (Malta) Limited, discussions have taken place between their solicitors and Treasury Solicitor. As these are still in being, I think it would not be proper for me to comment.
No question of compensation to Bailey (Malta) Limited has arisen.