The Speaker of the House yesterday found Minister Tonio Fenech prima facie guilty of a breach of privilege against Evarist Bartolo in a parliamentary reply he gave.

At the beginning of yesterday’s sitting, Mr Bartolo complained about the reply Minister Fenech gave him when he asked about the Valletta Fund Management issue.

Rising, Mr Fenech said he felt justified in using the words he used as he was in a very delicate position both as the bank’s minority shareholder and as holding office responsible for MFSA.

Opposition Whip Joe Mizzi said this goes against Mr Bartolo’s privileges as a Member and he asked for the Speaker’s ruling.

The Speaker retired and after a delay of more than an hour gave his ‘prima facie’ ruling.