The secretariat of Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon said that as per usual procedure the advice of the Government Property Division on a property in Mint Street, Valletta was given to Dr Falzon who signed the acquisition after an evaluation of the property was made by architects working for the department.

“These architects, which had faith in the previous administration, worked freely and without any interference whatsoever, according to procedures established along the years.

“One of the architects involved is a Senior Lecturer and Head of Department at the University of Malta. His expertise started to be used by the department under the previous administration. 

“In the signed document, the Parliamentary Secretary made it clear that the Department should proceed only if everything is in conformity with the law.

“The Parliamentary Secretary will remain open to scrutiny by the Auditor General and the IAID,” the statement read. The Auditor General’s conclusions will be published, it continued.