HL Deb 26 January 1972 vol 327 cc409-10WA
LORD ST. OSWALD

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proportion of the British loan of £51 million, granted in 1964 to Malta, and to be spread over ten years, has already been provided; when the most recent instalment was paid; and whether the remaining element of this loan is affected by the Maltese Government's decision, causing the withdrawal of British troops from Malta.

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, £41.6 million of the £51 million financial assistance agreed under the 1964 Financial Agreement has been issued. £31.8 million was in grant form and £9.8 million in loan. The most recent instalments have been £1.2 million grant, paid on July 13, 1971, and £2.8 million loan, advanced on January 27, 1971. No further payments will be made to the Government of Malta under these arrangements. This was agreed at the Chequers' meeting between the Prime Minister and Mr. Mintoff last September, when other interim financial arrangements were made.