Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday a new Nationalist government would introduce a scheme to transfer to farmers the title of the land they are cultivating.

Addressing a meeting organised by the Farmers' Association at the fruit and vegetable market (Pitkalija) in Ta' Qali, Dr Gonzi told about 400 farmers present that his party had decided to accept their proposal to give them title over the land.

"Following discussions we had with your association we have decided to accept your proposal. We think the move will allow you to enjoy peace of mind and offer you the opportunity to negotiate loans and invest more in your land," Dr Gonzi said.

According to the association, Labour leader Alfred Sant was also invited to address the meeting. However, he was not present.

Association president Vince Cortis told The Times the association had written to Dr Sant asking him to attend but for some reason he didn't make it. He said that following the meeting, the association sent a letter to the Labour Party expressing the farmers' regret at the fact that Dr Sant did not turn up.

When asked, the Labour Party's spokesman on rural affairs, Noel Farrugia, denied that Dr Sant had snubbed the farmers. In fact, he wanted to meet them another day.

"I can't understand the attitude adopted by the association as we had proposed that Dr Sant meet them today (Wednesday) at 8.30 p.m.," he said.

Mr Farrugia said that, for some reason, the association decided to carry on with the meeting as originally planned.

In his letter to Dr Sant, the association president said they wanted to meet him in person as, after having met Mr Farrugia, farmers were confused about Labour's plans.

Mr Farrugia rebutted this comment, saying that "Labour has already prepared its strategy for this sector".