Oral Answers to Questions — Malta – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 24 February 1954.
Mr Hector Hughes
, Aberdeen North
12:00,
24 February 1954
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the subject of the talks which Mr. Dom Mintoff, the Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament of Malta, has recently had in London with representatives of the British Government.
Mr Oliver Lyttelton
, Aldershot
Mr. Mintoff recently paid a private visit to London. He did not come for official discussions with Her Majesty's Government, and none took place.
Mr James Griffiths
, Llanelli
Will the right hon. Gentleman consider in the near future whether it is possible to amplify the statement he made about the future constitution of Malta, because hon. Members are not quite sure whether it is just a transfer of office or whether it means eventual absorption? Will he consider making a rather fuller statement on the matter?
Mr Oliver Lyttelton
, Aldershot
There is another Question on the Order Paper, and I would prefer not to answer that supplementary now; but if the right hon. Member is dissatisfied with my answer to that Question, perhaps he will put the supplementary question again.
Mr Hector Hughes
, Aberdeen North
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Am I not entitled to put a supplementary question? I was anticipated, as so often happens, by the Opposition front bench. May I not put a supplementary question?
Mr William Morrison
, Cirencester and Tewkesbury
I looked anxiously in the direction of the hon. and learned Member to see if he would rise but he did not, so I called the right hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths).
Mr Hector Hughes
, Aberdeen North
May I respectfully point out that I did rise at the same time as the occupant of the front bench rose?
Mr William Morrison
, Cirencester and Tewkesbury
I did not observe it.
Mr William Morrison
, Cirencester and Tewkesbury
I do not think that would be possible.
The "Leader of the Opposition" is head of "Her Majesty's Official Opposition". This position is taken by the Leader of the party with the 2nd largest number of MPs in the Commons.
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