Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi this evening insisted in Parliament that he will only answer questions on the agreement signed last week for the provision of electricity and gas if they are submitted in writing.

Refusing to answer a series of questions put by MPs Marthese Portelli, George Pullicino, Ryan Callus, David Agius and Mario de Marco, Dr Mizzi at one point even asked for the protection of the Speaker as the questions continued to flow. Dr Mizzi argued that the supplementary questions being put were not linked to the original question.

One of the questions asked was why the government was ready to call the media to announce a 2c reduction in the price of petrol but did not do so on a deal that is worth €400 million and will last 18 years.

Government MP Carmelo Abela at one point also intervened during the debate to say that the minister had made his position clear.

Last week, the government signed a deal with a private consortium that will lead to the construction of a gas-fired power station and related infrastructure.

Towards the end of the time allotted for parliamentary questions, Labour MP Tony Agius Decelis stood up to ask how the government was able to fulfil a promise that the PN had said was impossible to achieve. Dr Mizzi answered it as the Opposition protested that this question had no connection with the original question, but in this case the minister had chosen to answer it, unlike what he had done on the Opposition’s questions.