Finance parliamentary secretary Tonio Fenech yesterday instituted libel proceedings against Labour leader Alfred Sant about his allegations regarding the use of the Fund for Just Causes, which Mr Fenech administers.

Dr Sant's claim was in relation to aid for the publication of a cultural book, with a corrupt intent. Mr Fenech said one of the aims of the fund was to promote culture.

The contribution to Miranda Publications was linked to the acquisition of 800 copies of the book at a reduced price of e29.12 instead of e115.30, for them to be distributed to libraries, embassies and official occasions.