In a statement, the government said it took note of Labour MP Leo Brincat’s statement that the auditor general should investigate how the building was purchased.

It said that the Public Accounts Committee, which was chaired by Mr Brincat himself and which is now chaired by Labour Deputy Leader Charles Mangion, had the faculty to order any investigation it deemed fit.

The statement added that the government was convinced that the purchase of the building in Brussels was the best decision and one which made most economic sense. It said that it was also convinced that the process leading to the sale was also transparent and open, adding that the government would welcome any investigation to prove that this is true.