In February of 1964, the Department of Trade became separate from the Department of Industry but, remained under the Ministry of Industrial Development and Tourism.
In April 1966 a new Government took office and the Department of Trade was placed under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Trade, Industry and Agriculture.
The Department of Trade and Industry was set up in August 1955 within the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to coordinate measures taken by the Government towards the industrial development of the Maltese Islands.
At the same time the new Department took over the functions and duties previously carried out by the Trade Development Office (under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce), covering the representation in Malta of the United Kingdom Board of Trade, and the Registration of Trade Marks, Patents and Designs. This function is now the responsibility of a separate Division within the Department, in the charge of the Comptroller of Industrial Property.
In December, 1955, the Director of Trade and Industry took over, in addition, the former activities of the Food and Commerce Control Officer.
The Malta Police Force was established under Sir Thomas Maitland's governorship in 1813-1814. Initially set up during Malta's transition to a British crown colony, it was structured into executive and judicial branches to enhance law and order. The Inspector General of the Police, today known as Commissioner, was to be placed at the head of the Executive Police. The Magistrates for the Island of Malta and Gozo were to be placed at the head of the Judicial Police. From 12th July 1814 onwards the entire management and control of the Executive Police came under the immediate supervision of the Inspector-General of Police who received his orders from the Governor.
The Inspector-General of Police was given power and authority to suppress all common affrays, riots and breaches of the peace and to apprehend and imprison, or cause to be apprehended and imprisoned, all persons guilty thereof or guilty, or suspected to be guilty, of any crime or offence whatsoever against the public welfare. He also had authority to superintend and regulate all inn-keepers of coffee houses, liquor shops and other shops, as well as all persons who kept horses, calesses, carts or other carriages or boats for hire, or who exercised the business of a porter or carrier. Another duty was the superintendence of all foreigners coming into Malta.
Following Malta's self-governance in 1921, the Police Force fell under local government control, marking a significant transition in its administration and operational focus.