A total of 10,309 persons applied to have HIV or Aids tests last year, according to information given by Health Minister Louis Deguara to Labour MP Chris Agius.

This was far more than in the previous years where applications for such tests averaged between 4,000 and 5,000.

Children’s allowances

The amount of money paid as children’s allowances last year totalled Lm13.3 million, Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina told Mr Agius.

Syringes hand-outs

The following amount of free syringes was given out by the various health centres last year: Floriana: 41,000; Qormi: 13,000; Gzira: 45,000; Paola: 68,000; Cospicua: 28,000; Mosta: 22,000; Rabat: 6,000.

Dr Deguara was replying to Mr Agius.

Surcharge

Between October 2006 and February 2007, the revenue from surcharge as regards domestic consumption amounted to Lm6.3 million while that from commercial and industrial use amounted to Lm7.4 million, Investments, Industry and IT Minister Austin Gatt told Labour MP Leo Brincat.