Health secretary Chris Fearne today refused to answer whether the police have taken action following a report prepared by John Dalli last year alleging that theft was rampant at Mater Dei hospital.

Mr Dalli had said that he reported the alleged theft to the police.

A board of investigations was set up by former Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia following the allegations.

"The government a year ago said that it was going to proceed and investigate these cases. I submitted specific questions, can the Minister tell us if the police proceeded against anyone," PN health spokesperson Claudio Grech said in Parliament this morning.

"This is the first time you are putting this question to me. The whole report was given to the police, please submit this question to the Minister responsible for police," Dr Fearne said, answering in Health Minister Konrad Mizzi's name.