The Office of the Children’s Commissioner went over-budget for three years running, Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina told Joseph Cassar.

In 2004, its budget was Lm10,000 and Lm12,777 were spent. The following year the budget for the office remained the same and Lm22,260 were spent.

In 2006, the office was allocated a higher budget – Lm25,000 – and Lm40,084 were spent.

Only the administration will move

in Mater Dei Hospital on 1 July

Only the Administration and Ancillary Services will move from St Luke’s Hospital to the Mater Dei Hospital on 1 July, Health Minister Louis Deguara told Labour MP Adrian Vassallo.

The medical services will be transferred later. The migration plan will ensure there is no danger to patients, the minister added.

Dual pricing apparatus being

purchased abroad

Since there is no local production of the dual-pricing apparatus which will be used by those companies who subscribe to the Fair system, the government is conducting direct negotiations with foreign companies, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzo told Leo Brincat.

As for converters which will be given to every household in Malta, the government is negotiating with a commercial bank which is interested in providing such converters free of charge to everyone, Dr Gonzi added.

Lm127,000 lease

The Rural Affairs and Environment Ministry spent no less than Lm127,000 in leasing of property last year, Minister George Pullicino told Labour MP Noel Farrugia.

In particular, Mepa paid Lm56,000 in leases while WasteServ paid a further Lm21,000.

1,233 malicious phone calls

The police investigated no less than 1,233 malicious phone calls last year, Justice Minister Tonio Borg told Labour MP Chris Agius.