No fewer than 52 people had died from drowning in Malta from 2000 to date, of whom 32 were foreign nationals, Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg told Labour MP Stefan Buontempo.

419 hunters arraigned

During 2006, the police had arraigned 419 hunters and charged them with infringing the laws regarding hunting, Dr Borg told Labour MP Chris Agius.

1,439 smokers arraigned

The number of people who had been charged with infringing the smoking ban since the relevant law came into effect stood at 1,439 so far, Dr Borg told Labour MP Silvio Parnis.

Women on Waves

Nationalist MP Franco Galea asked the Prime Minister to state what steps the government will be taking to ensure that Women on Waves does not enter Maltese territorial waters and Maltese harbours.

Mr Galea also asked the Prime Minister to consider banning the ship, even if its promoters guarantee that no abortions will be carried out and no abortive pills will be given out.

He also asked Dr Gonzi whether the authorities will be taking legal proceedings against the promoters, in view of the fact that promoting abortion is a crime.

Dr Gonzi replied that the laws of Malta are applicable to everyone and it is the duty of the government to ensure that all legal steps are taken to ensure that no crime is committed.