With reference to the letter entitled Funding to hatcheries, written by Dr Kris Borg on behalf of Primrose Poultry Products Ltd (TMID, 21 October) I would like to clarify the following.

The press release issued by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 October never referred to any subsidies given to hatcheries. In the press release, the only reference to subsidies was that given to egg layers or egg producers. In fact, after the paragraph that refers to subsidies it was explained why subsidies are being given by government to egg producers/layers.

Once again I reiterate that no reference was made to subsidies re hatcheries. This can be verified by viewing the website www.doi.gov.mt or the ministry’s website on www.mrae.gov.mt

Randolph Spiteri

Communications Coordinator

Parliamentary Secretariat for Agriculture and Fisheries

Valletta