asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the rate of four pence per mile paid to officials of the Maltese Government was established in 1948, and that the refusal to vary this rate has led to the employees to stop using their private cars for official business; and, in view of the fact that the staff side of the joint council has indicated that it is prepared to negotiate a revised fair mileage rate, if he will take steps to convene a joint committee for the purpose of examining the position and reaching an agreement on the matter.

I am aware of this situation, but I have nothing to add to my Reply to him on the 14th February.