The Labour Party is resorting to its usual gimmicks in an attempt to gain political mileage, the Ministry for Investment, Industry and IT said yesterday.

In a statement, it said that there can be no justification for the Labour Party’s interpretation of Minister Austin Gatt’s answers to Labour Whip Joe Mizzi in Parliament on Wednesday, 31 May.

It said that the transcript of the debate clearly shows that Minister Gatt said he was in agreement that a resolution on the transfer of public land should be passed through parliament.

The ministry said that the MLP misinterpreted documents that were tabled in parliament and protested against the legitimate decision of the Deputy Speaker by calling for a quorum.

It said that the MLP humiliated the Speaker by choosing to quote the latter’s appeal during the 7 June commemoration out of context. The ministry added that Minister Gatt fully associated himself with the said appeal that called for tolerance, reciprocal respect and respect towards parliamentary institutions.

The ministry said that the Opposition should observe its legitimate role in Parliament, which is to scrutinise the government’s work, and not resort to a campaign of tactical sabot-age against every government measure.