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CHAPTER IV
Page 193 OFXAMINATION OF EVIDENCE 193 of 321
Common Ground
33. The proposals presented to us disclosed a considerable measure of common ground between the political parties and other witnesses in Malta. All witnesses expressed themselves in favour of enhancing the status of the Maltese Parliament and Government by a re-allocation of legislative functions between the Imperial authorities and the Maltese Parliament. All agreed that the position of the Roman Catholic Church in Malta should not be diminished. All accepted the need for the Parliament at Westminster to retain, in practice, ultimate power in defence and foreign affairs. Again, all witnesses recommended improvements in the administrative and consultative machinery of government, both in Malta and in London. Finally, the Maltese Government and the representatives of the other parties and organisations in Malta were agreed on the need for continued aid from the United Kingdom towards the economic development of Malta and to promote the improvement of Maltese social services and the standard of living.
Points of Difference
34. Within this measure of agreement, there were, however, certain differences of detail and emphasis. On the division of legislative functions, the Maltese Government proposed that defence and foreign affairs, and, ultimately, direct taxation should be solely and exclusively reserved to the Parliament at Westminster. Subject to the continuance of the present over- riding powers of the Parliament at Westminster in all fields, all other matters should be dealt with by the Maltese Parliament. The Malta Nationalist Party proposed that, when the interim period came to an end, the Maltese Parliament should have power to legislate in all fields, including defence and foreign affairs, subject only to two conditions. First, under the proposed joint agreements on defence and foreign affairs, Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and the Maltese Government should exercise a joint responsibility for these matters; secondly, in case of dispute, the last word should rest with Her Majesty's Government. Under the proposals of the Progressive Constitutional Party, the present form of Government in Malta would be substantially maintained, but the post of Lieutenant-Governor would be abolished and replaced by that of a Chief Secretary. The Governor (and not the Parliament at Westminster) would retain the function and power to legislate in the fields of defence and foreign affairs in Malta.
CC
35. As regards administration of defence and foreign affairs in Malta, the proposals of the Maltese Government imply that the Governor would cease to have executive authority in this field. It would instead be exercised by an Imperial Branch" in Malta, consisting of a representative of the Home Secretary (the Secretary of State responsible for Maltese affairs); representatives of other United Kingdom Departments with branches in Malta; and the heads of the Services. The Malta Nationalist Party proposed that the executive power in defence and foreign affairs in Malta should ultimately become the joint responsibility of the two Governments, acting in Malta through a United Kingdom High Commissioner and in London through a High Commissioner for Malta. Under their proposals for interim constitutional reform, and under
under the proposals of the Progressive Constitutional Party, the Governor would retain both legislative and executive authority, subject to consultation with the Maltese Government.