Site for Parliament

Mr Lawrence Dimech from Sydney suggested (November 22) that the new Parliament be built at the site of the Main Guard.

Some years ago, I was doing some research at the House of Representatives about the years 1921/1932, when Malta was granted its first self government.

During my research work I came across a proposal made at the then House of Representatives for the building of a new parliament. The site chosen, 80 years ago, was exactly the whole block of buildings opposite the palace where the Main Guard once stood.

Together with this proposal, a paper was laid on the Table of the House of Representatives containing plans for offices, shops, and two chambers, one for the House of Representatives and the other for a senate. The 1921 constitution contemplated two chambers and not one as today.

I do not remember the exact date but it must have been in the mid-1920s. These designs included also an elaborate façade matching that of the Presidential Palace on the opposite side of the square.

I suggest that the minister responsible for this project have a look at the papers laid which can easily be found by consulting the Index of the Papers Laid on the Table of the House between 1921 and 1930. I think it is the best site for a new Parliament House in the heart of our capital.