Yesterday’s parliamentary sitting, set to discuss the Companies Amendment Bill, was adjourned during question time when a call for a quorum found that not enough government members were present in the House.

The call was made by Labour whip Joe Mizzi following an exchange with the government side over the absence of a minister who was asked a supplementary question.

House Speaker Anton Tabone suspended the sitting for five minutes. When the House reconvened it was yet again determined that there was no quorum.

Parliament was adjourned till Monday.

In a press statement issued last night, the Malta Labour Party Parliamentary Group said it condemns the practice adopted by various ministers who are avoiding to answer parliamentary questions.

The parliamentary group said that during yesterday’s parliamentary sitting, Minister Jesmond Mugliett, who had to be present according to the Code of Ethics and the Standing Orders, to answer question number 24505, was absent.

When Labour MP Joe Mizzi forwarded a supplementary question, instead of answering the question, Minister Louis Galea and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi justified the absence of Mr Mugliett and the fact that he had not replied.

The MLP parliamentary group said that this attitude is unacceptable, and this was the reason why Labour Whip Joe Mizzi called for a quorum.

The statement said the MLP is insisting that ministers and parliamentary secretaries should shoulder their political responsibilities and answer all the parliamentary questions they receive.

The MLP said that the information requested in parliamentary questions is of public interest.