A joint commission of Maltese and Tunisian experts, that studied the issue of oil exploration in areas that belong to the two countries, has now concluded its work and delivered the report, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi announced yesterday.

The two countries are now studying the report and the government of Malta will eventually inform the public, taking into consideration the sensitivity of the issue, said Dr Gonzi. He was replying to questions by Joe Mizzi.

In reply to further questions by Mr Mizzi, Dr Gonzi said that the area studied in the report does not include any area that is contested by another country – that is, Libya. This issue between Malta and Tunisia has existed for the past 35 years.

Mr Mizzi then asked what then is the state of affairs between Malta and Libya with regard to the area that falls between them.

Dr Gonzi replied that there has been no change in the situation. This issue has been taken to the International Court which decided on part of the median line between the two countries. There are ongoing contacts between the two countries, but no developments so far.

The House passed through some tense moments before this calm explanation by Dr Gonzi could be given.

Mr Mizzi asked whether the Foreign Minister was in Malta or abroad. He was told that Dr Frendo is in Morocco. But Mr Mizzi then asked who was acting Foreign Minister and the ministers on the government bench looked at each other without coming to an answer.

At this point, Mr Mizzi reacted to something he heard from the government benches and claimed he was being ridiculed. He then called for a quorum check, and angrily continued shouting even during the five minutes that elapse before the quorum check takes place.

Meanwhile, Dr Gonzi had quietly entered the House and Mr Mizzi, possibly realising that he could address his questions to Dr Gonzi, did not sustain his demand for a quorum check, even though the government did not muster enough MPs to sustain a quorum.

The same issue – which minister replaces another minister – cropped up later in question time. Leader of the House Tonio Borg explained that the ministers who are in Malta do make an effort to be in the House at question time but sometimes they cannot make it in time. It would be better, he said, if the House switched to the system used in other countries, where ministers have their day when all questions addressed to them can be answered, rather than the haphazard way things are done here.

Still no bus shelter

The people of the St Peter’s area of Zabbar are still without a bus shelter, four-and-a-half months after the issue became national news in the run-up to the local council elections.

Joe Mizzi asked Transport Minister Jesmond Mugliett when the bus shelter is coming.

Mr Mugliett testily replied that a contract has been drawn up with a contractor for this bus shelter. However, the contractor usually waits until he has enough orders before ordering them from abroad in bulk.

Mr Mizzi also pointed out that the road from Kalkara to Villa Bighi is subsiding near Villa Portelli. It has already subsided by a foot but it, and the buildings, can subside a height of four storeys and people may be in danger.

Mr Mugliett replied that it has to be ascertained whether the road is the responsibility of the ADT or the local council, but Mr Mizzi urged an immediate inspection by the ADT, given the danger.

No statistics regarding irregular immigrants

Justice Minister Tonio Borg admitted to Adrian Vassallo that no statistics are kept of the number of irregular immigrants who had been arraigned in court over the past five years.

7,712 foreigners working here

At the end of June 7,712 foreigners were registered as working here, Education Minister Louis Galea told Adrian Vassallo.