Mr Anthony Pizzuto, director of the Consumer Division said that the need had arisen to make the public aware of the consumer’s rights that were now effective under certain EU directives. There were various infringements of these directives that include incorrect labelling, price fixing and other similar misdemeanours that were still unfortunately occurring on a regular basis.

He said that the EU had been approached for the funding of a proper awareness campaign that included TV and radio spots, newspaper advertising, leaflets and a possible TV programme.

A grant of E150,000 through what is termed as a Twinning Light Project had made this campaign possible and this was split into two parts.

First, experts from a UK based company, A-Course, came to Malta to train the division’s personnel on the EU directives. A report was later prepared to outline recommendations and a strategy for its implementation, Mr Pizzuto said.

Giving details on the television programme, Mr Pizzuto said this would consist of a full schedule of 13 half-hour programmes. The tender for the production of these programmes was won by BPC and the filming and post production was done at Audiovision Studios, Mr Pizzuto said.

The programmes, to start from next week, will include an introduction by an expert, vox pops, a sketch and a panel discussion. Mr Pizzuto said that he hoped this would not be the last exercise in this medium and indicated the possibility of future TV programmes with a public-private partnership.

In his intervention, Minister Galea said that this process had started way back in 2001. The minister added that although certain complaints continue to occur, it was in the interest of everyone to provide a proper service as business would not be possible without a satisfied consumer.

He also said that the programmes were an ideal step forward to create further awareness on this important issue while auguring that the venture would be a success.