asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies if he will now make a statement on constitutional developments in Malta.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies (1) if he has considered the request of the Leader of the Opposition in Malta for further consultations with the representatives of the political parties in the Island on the question of independence, in view of the inconclusive electoral decision;

(2) if he discussed with the Prime Minister of Malta at their recent interview the questions of defence and a financial agreement; and if he will now make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies in view of the fact that the defence factor in the future of Malta is necessarily unpredictable over a period of years, to what extent the British Government is prepared to help Malta to change her economic structure to one based on competitiveness in world markets and to implement the recommendations of the Report of the United Nations Economic Team under Professor Stolper which they have had in their possession since April, 1963, and which is the basis of Malta's second five year plan begun in April, 1964.

I have promised to make a general statement about Malta as soon as the present talks are concluded.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether it is possible to reach a conclusion on Malta's Constitution until we know what long-term financial help Malta will receive from this country? Is it really fair to ask the Prime Minister of Malta ever here and keep him here for several weeks when, apparently, the Treasury has not made up its mind on this matter?

I do not think that is a correct representation of the position. I suggested to the Prime Minister that he should return to Malta about a fortnight ago while further discussions were proceeding between officials, but he thought it desirable that he should stay here. The question of finance is being discussed, but it is only one of the matters that are under discussion.

As the constitutional conference arises from the recent visit of observers of the referendum to Malta, can the Secretary of State say when the observers' reports will be published?

I shall inform the House of the views expressed by the observers when I make my general statement.