Last Wednesday, parliament had to adjourn at 6.22 pm because there were not enough MPs to form a quorum. There were only 3 from the Government side and 2 from the Opposition side. For us ordinary citizens who elected the MPs, and who are paid from our taxes, this is distressing news.

Where were the other Honourable Members? I feel that the proposed independent commission which is to review their honorarium should also examine their attendance record and duration in the House and make recommendations thereon too.

I think that the time is ripe to consider whether our MPs should be full-timers and whether their number should be reduced from 65 (to 45) by increasing the number of electoral districts from 13 to 15 (each electing 3 members).

■ Carmel Portelli

Sliema