The history of Parliament

The book Malta's Parliament - An Official History, by Godfrey Pirotta, chronicling the political history and evolution of Malta's Parliament from 1800 to 2003, will shortly be on sale.

The book is divided into three sections. The first (1800-1921), with its study of the workings of the colonial style Council of Government, explores the emergence of a partially elected Chamber and the continuing Maltese struggle for responsible government.

Section Two (1921-1964) of this 312-page book, which is hardbound and illustrated in full colour, examines Malta's first responsible government Parliament at work until its dissolution in 1933 when the 1921 Constitution, which had created it, was first suspended and later withdrawn. It also gives a brief look at the events that followed until responsible government was re-instated in 1947. This section takes the reader through the issues debated in Parliament and the Parliamentary process that culminated in Malta's Independence in 1964.

Section Three (1964-2003) allows the reader to explore Malta's transition to Republican government, the closure of the military base and its implications for a Malta that was free from the last vestiges of colonialism, and the long road to EU membership.

The book contains a vast display of photos, portraying several personalities, including all the Speakers of the House of Representatives, all the governors, the Presidents of Malta, Prime Ministers, and various Maltese Parliamentarians. Other photos depict important historic events that took place in and around the House.

Published by the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Department of Information, it costs Lm18. But a pre-publication price of Lm15 is on offer until July 17. Those interested can send their particulars and payment to the Director of Information, 3, Castille Place, Valletta.

The book will be on sale from the DOI Sales Office, Valletta, the Banca Giuratale, Victoria, and from all leading bookshops.