HC Deb 26 February 1981 vol 999 cc427-8W
Mr. Ennals

asked the Lord Privy Seal what steps Her Majesty's Government have taken to assist the Maltese Government in removing obstructions caused by wartime wrecks and other war debris affecting the development of the port facilities in the Grand Harbour of Valetta and the new commercial harbour at Marsaxlokk.

Sir Ian Gilmour

I am not aware of any such obstructions. The Government have confirmed the offer made in 1978 to consider what assistance could be given, in the context of specific harbour development plans, where it can be shown that wrecks or unexploded ordnance constitute a hindrance to such plans.

Mr. Ennals

asked the Lord Privy Seal if Her Majesty's Government has taken any further action to clear the island of Fifla and the surrounding waters off Malta from unexploded wartime devices since the reply given to the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, Central, (Mr. McNamara) Official Report, 5 March 1980.

Sir Ian Gilmour

No. That reply remains valid.