LAW-MAKER’S TWO SEATS

Evening Star, Issue 18979, 29 June 1925, Page 4

LAW-MAKER’S TWO SEATS

SIR GERALD STRICKLAND. BRITAIN AND MALTA. LONDON, Juno 13. Replying to the criticism by the political correspondent oi the ‘Daily Mud’ regarding his dual activities as Conservative member for Lancaster in the House of Commons and Leader ot the Labor Opposition in the Malta Parliament, Sir 0. Strickland, formerly Governor of New South Wales, .says that ho declines to resign Irom either P.arliamcnt. “ I have the full consent of my Lancaster and Malta constituents to denote my time to the interests of the Empire as I think best,” Sir Gerald said. ‘‘ It is gross impertinence on the part ot the Premier ot Malta, Air F. Bnliagian, to think that he can interfere with my freedom of speech in the House of Commons.” Referring to the Malta Parliaments motion of censure in connection with Ids recent speech in the House of Commons regarding Malta, Sir Gerald added: “I am nob surprised. Mr Amcrv wished that I should restrict my political activities to Malta because ho has been dragged into an untenable position. “ The Commons will judge between mo and Mr Amory when my motion to reduce his salary is debated,”

[Tlio political correspondent of tlio ‘Daily Mail ’ recently called attention to the complications likely to arise from. Sir Gerald Strickland's dual activities as a Conservative member of the House of Comma ns and Leader of the Opposition in Malta.. The Parliament of Malta censured him for criticising tho Government’s failure to (ill two trade union vacancies in the Upper Chamber. Sir Gerald declares that tho Maltose Labor movement is pro-British, and is being deliberately smothered. it is understood that the Colonial Office considers that Sir Gerald Strickland should coniine bis political activities either to Britain or to .Malta. Sir Gerald has tho Maltese title of Count Della Catena, being the sixth of his line to hear tho title, and ho is also a member of tho Maltese Legislative Assembly. He was Governor of Tasmania, from 1904 till 1909, of West Australia from 1909 till 1910, and of New South Wales 1913-17.]