HC Deb 12 July 1979 vol 970 c257W
Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the closures of the British council offices in Malta; and if he will indicate if any conciliatory action is planned by Her Majesty's Government to restore the normal functioning of the offices.

Mr. Hurd

The Maltese Government required the British Council office in Valetta to close last November following the imposition by the EEC of restrictions on imports to the United Kingdom of certain Maltese textile products.

Mr. Mintoff has now indicated that the office can re-open. The council is now considering whether it can do so.