§ 71. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on talks with Malta about revision of the Defence Agreement.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleMy right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Defence, with my noble Friend the Minister of State for Defence, visited Malta and discussed with the Malta Government on 19th and 20th July their proposals for revision of our Defence and Financial Assistance Agreements. These discussions served to clarify our respective positions; but they did not reveal a basis for a revised agreement.
The Government are consulting their N.A.T.O. Allies and will be in further communication with the Malta Government on this subject as soon as possible.