Over the past days there has been a little noticed development in the way this story was treated by the government spokesmen.

The idea was launched by Minister Jesmond Mugliett speaking at a business breakfast. It was taken up by the media and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi added to the debate with his comments last Saturday, highlighted by this paper last Sunday.

But then government put out a bit of counter-spin with Mr Mugliett insisting that any development of the Opera House site will be allowed only if it does not increase the country's financial burden.

Dr Gonzi had said this last Saturday but not much notice was taken then. It is, however, difficult to see how private finance can fund the construction of a building which will house Parliament.

Other voices have been heard. The Valletta mayor, Paul Borg Olivier was against the siting of Parliament at the entrance of the city and said Parliament's place should be at Fort St Elmo.

Others have argued that if Parliament has to relocate, it could relocate to the nearby Public Library. This was an idea strongly opposed by others who said it would require the emptying of the square in front with its tables and ambience.

Others have said the country can ill afford to spend so much on its politicians when they run up such a deficit for the country. They asked why is Parliament moving out of the Palace when no-one bothers to attend.

Others still have argued that with the country's deficit, the best thing would be to turn the area into a huge garden with a Greek amphitheatre in the middle for arts and entertainment.

Speaking on Radio 101 yesterday, Parliamentary Secretary Tonio Fenech said having capital projects is a good idea, but they must not go into cost over-runs. It is also useful to draw in private investment.

What is being discussed is not just the reconstruction of the site of the Opera House but also the redoing of the whole Freedom Square which may be dug up to provide underground parking and shops. This would make the whole project affordable.

There has been much discussion on this topic already but Bondiplus goes straight to the heart of the matter in what promises to be a highly interesting programme.

One of the features will give a general view of the Royal Opera House' history from when Governer Sir John Gaspard Le Marchant decided to built a theater in place of the Casa della Giornata to the day it was destroyed in 1942, during an air raid.

The programme will include an interview with opera historian, Alfred G. Miceli and Heritage Malta chairman, Dr Mario Tabone.

An interesting feature on the programme is a visit to the current Parliament by Rachel Attard and historian Marquis Nicholas de Piro, during which the Marquis will give a brief history of this hall which used to serve as the Knights Armoury.

Minister Jesmond Mugliett and Opposition Shadow Minister, Charles Buhagiar will give their views in recorded interviews.

The panel discussion led by Lou Bondì will host Architect Prof. Richard England who has been entrusted with the design of the new complex, Mario Farrugia, chairman of Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, Paul Borg Olivier, mayor of Valletta and Miriam Cremona, a Valletta resident.

Bondiplus on Tuesday after the 8 o'clock news.