Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1962 - 1981 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
Bound volumes; typed sheets; stencilled sheets; photocopies.
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative history
The Cabinet Office was introduced in Malta in 1961 through the Blood Constitution.
The Blood Constitution provided for the office of the UK Commissioner who represented the UK Government (the Governor represented the Queen). According to Article 28 of the Constitution, the UK Commissioner was to be given the Cabinet agenda, a list of all matters discussed in the Cabinet that were not on the agenda, a statement of Cabinet decisions on matters affecting defence or external affairs and all papers presented to the Cabinet on defence and foreign affairs.
After the first election under this Constitution (17-19 February 1962), Giorgio Borg Olivier was asked to form a Government. He refused to form a Government that would be obliged to forward these Cabinet documents to the UK Commissioner. He accepted the assignment after being assured that the Constitution would be amended. In fact he was sworn in as Prime Minister on 3rd March, and Parliament convened on 26th April and the Cabinet convened for the first time on 27th August, 1962.
Archival history
These records were kept by the Cabinet Secretary initially at the Auberge d'Aragon and later on at the Auberge de Castille.
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
In December 2013, the Cabinet Office transferred to the NAM the Cabinet records (both in original and digital format) covering the period between 1962 and 20 November 1981.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
The records produced bt the Cabinet Office include the memos that were presented by Ministers for discussion, and the minutes of the Cabinet meetings. The Cabinet Memos were created by Ministers. The Cabinet Minutes were created by the Cabinet Secretary.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
All records received by the National Archives were retained. There are gaps.
Accruals
It is expected that this Fonds is updated regularly following 30 years from the creation of the record.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
More records will be made accessible for research once 30 years from date of creation have lapsed.
Conditions governing reproduction
In line with the general rules of the National Archives
Language of material
- English
- Maltese
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
The original consist of bound volumes and separate sheets. Access to the public will be provided in digital format at the Reading Room.
Finding aids
The fonds description in AtoM
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Originals held at the head Office of the National Archives, fonds CAB.
Existence and location of copies
Electronic copies are held by the Cabinet Office
Related units of description
Office of the Prime Minister finding aids
Notes area
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Malta. Office of the Prime Minister (Subject)
Genre access points
Description control area
Description identifier
Institution identifier
Rules and/or conventions used
This finding aid is in line with ISAD(G).
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation revision deletion
Date of creation: n/a
Date of revision: 15/05/2025
Language(s)
Script(s)
Sources
Archivist's note
This archival description was prepared by Leonard Callus and revised by Zvetlana Pace Cassar.