Satellite dish refunds

The Times (October 29) had reported that the Lm25 yearly satellite licence was repealed after May 1, 2004, in line with a European directive.

The item stated that "people who paid a licence which had expired before last May 1 should be granted a pro rata refund. These refunds will amount to Lm180,000. The money to be refunded was currently being calculated and the refunds would be issued soon".

My licence was due on March 31, 2004 and I paid the Lm25 fee prior to May 1, 2004.

Last year, in addition to the Lm25 licence fee the government also forced me to pay a penalty of Lm25 for being a few weeks late in paying the fee.

Would Minister Censu Galea kindly confirm as per what was quoted in the item in question, that "the government's commitment to ensure that, through its decisions the interests of the consumers are safeguarded", and let me know when my pro rata refund of Lm22.92 would be forthcoming? Is any interest going to be paid to the consumers for late payment of the refunds?

By the way, can Minister Galea also clarify whether the decision to revoke the satellite licence has been taken "to ensure that consumers' interests are safeguarded" (same item ) or was it removed because this licence is deemed illegal by the European Union and the Maltese government has "to come in line with other EU countries?"

When are certain ministers going to stop "trying to pull wool over the electorate's eyes?"