Roderick Galdes, the Labour Party’s environment spokesman, said the MLP did not agree with the government’s unexpected decision to withdraw the scheme that had been re-introduced with the budget for 2007 and which allowed rebates to consumers who bought energy efficient appliances.

It was astonishing that the government had taken this decision just two months after the general election, during which the Prime Minister had projected himself as one who protected the environment. At the same time, clause 159 in the Nationalist Party’s election manifesto promised the continuation of rebate schemes on energy efficient appliances.

Mr Galdes said applications for such rebates would now be accepted only until 31 May. The Labour Party disagreed with this decision, which would be harmful to the environment. They could not expect the people to adopt more sustainable life styles if the government showed itself incapable of leading by example.

The government’s decision, Mr Galdes said, confirmed the Scicluna Report on the reform of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, where it said that matters in the environment sector were deteriorating.