Fifteen ships from American companies entered for work at the dockyard between 2005 and 2006, Investment, Industry and IT Minister Austin Gatt told Labour MP Leo Brincat. None of these ships came from the US Navy.

In March an American passenger ship is due to enter the yard for some work on it, the minister said.

Thefts from churches

During 2006 the police received 18 reports of thefts from churches and seven from religious institutions, Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg told Labour MP Chris Agius.

In one case, however, the person who had reported the theft of her purse later informed the police she had mislaid her purse at home and mistakenly thought it had been stolen at church.

In two cases criminal proceedings have been taken, the minister said.

32 missing persons

There have been 32 persons who have been declared missing since 1997 and have so far not been found, Justice Minister Tonio Borg told Labour MP Chris Agius.