20 factories close down between 2004 - 2005

Twenty factories closed down between 2004 and 2005, IT and Investments Minister Austin Gatt told Parliament yesterday during question time.

Dr Gatt was answering questions by MLP MP Chris Agius. Three of these companies were registered in the 1960s, while another three were registered in the 1970s, the remainder were registered during the 1980s, 1990s and after the year 2000.

In a separate question by the same MP, Employment Minister Louis Galea said that 1,199 workers were laid off this year up to August but 838 people found a job.