“It is satisfying to note the ever-growing hard work and commitment of the Consumer Claims Tribunal dedicated towards consumers and traders, and I hope that this will continue to prevail in the years to come,” said Competitiveness and Communications minister Censu Galea.

He was addressing a press conference held to mark the 10th anniversary of the Consumer Claims Tribunal.

This tribunal provides redress for consumers claiming an infringement of their rights. When consumers fail to reach an amicable agreement with the trader, they can submit their case to the Consumer Claims Tribunal.

Only a few consumers, but numerous traders, engage lawyers to assist them before the Consumer Claims Tribunal. The total number of decisions issued from 1996 to 2005 is 1,588.

Only 43 cases had been filed at the Courts of Appeal.

Looking at the decisions on an annual basis decided in favour of consumers or traders, the percentage is 82 per cent in favour of the consumer and 18 per cent for the trader.

Only 21 cases were awarded compensation for moral damages.

To date, 15 cases from 2005 are still being heard by the arbiter.

With regard to cases registered in 2006, 82 cases have been filed with the Tribunal, of which one case has already been heard, 16 have been given an a date on which their cases will be heard in the coming weeks, and two cases were dropped as they have been settled amicably.