The gifts from the European Union – such as pasta, rice and milk – should be given to people who qualify by certain conditions, Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino told Labour MP Marie Louise Coleiro Preca.

People who would like to get these gifts must first register with the local social assistance office.

The persons who qualify can be:

• People who cannot maintain themselves or who are below basic living standards;

• People who live in non-governmental institutions such as orphanages, emergency centres, etc;

• People who get the non-contributory social assistance such as unemployment, disability and medical help.

• The distribution of such food items is carried out by parishes and by charity organisations such as MAS, YMCA and ARKA, the minister said.

Smoking cars and buses

A total of 1,291 cars were called for a smoke test last year after reports being received by the SMS system set up by the government, Transport Minister Jesmond Mugliett told Labour MP Joseph Cuschieri. Of these cars, 157 were asked to make the necessary repairs.

And in reply to another question by Mr Cuschieri, Mr Mugliett said 57 buses were reported but only six were asked to make the necessary repairs.