It may be an indication of a change in customs: while in the school year 1989-90 there were only 12 schoolgirl mothers, the number has shot up to 156 in 2005.

Figures given out by Education Minister Louis Galea in reply to a question by Adrian Vassallo show a continually rising trend over the intervening years.

The present batch of schoolgirl mothers show that most – 36 – are 17 years old. Two 13-year-olds are pregnant as are four 14-year-olds.

Income Tax do not send receipts any more

The Income Tax department has stopped sending acknowledgements to those who send in their tax return. The bill that taxpayers receive, in case they have to pay more tax, serves as a receipt in itself, said Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi in reply to a question by Carmelo Abela.

Manager and personal assistant

Transport Minister Jesmond Mugliett confirmed that his personal assistant was employed as a manager on 4 May 2004, and as personal assistant on 1 June 2004. Mr Mugliett was replying to Leo Brincat.

Almost 2,000 ‘new’ Gozitans

The number of Maltese residents who changed their ID cards to state they reside in Gozo between April 2001 and March 2006 was 1,927, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi told Leo Brincat.

Bastions floodlit

By the time a question submitted on 10 July was replied to, yesterday, no less than 30 floodlights lighting up the Valletta bastions on the Marsamxett side were replaced, Resources Minister Ninu Zammit told Michael Axiaq.

‘Uncommunicative’ manager

Joe Mizzi yesterday complained that the ADT manager in Gozo does not get to meet the people who want to speak to him because he is always out of the office. Transport minister Jesmond Mugliett promised to look into it.

Tony Zarb phone call

Minister Jesmond Mugliett told Parliament yesterday he had been phoned by GWU secretary general Tony Zarb so that cars parked in the GWU HWQ courtyard are exempted from paying Valletta entrance fees.

Mr Mugliett said the courtyard may be considered as an open air garage and its cars treated accordingly.

Silvio Parnis on will and inheritance claim

MP Silvio Parnis yesterday claimed a Breach of Privilege against Il-Mument and the PN radio and television for alleging he inherited property from an old lady due to a testament which was changed just before she died. Mr Parnis said that in fact it was the elderly couple who did so of their own free will.This happened before he became a mayor and an MP.

Mr Parnis also claimed a breach of privilege regarding an article on him which appeared on MataToday which said words he says he did not say.