No House Wednesday morning debates planned yet

The House Business Committee yesterday heard Leader of the House Tonio Borg say that, even after the approval of the procedural motion, Wednesday sittings would not necessarily be held in the mornings, unless a vote was anticipated.

Opposition Whip Joe Mizzi countered that, once the procedural motion was adopted, the House would be regulated by its Standing Orders.

He made it clear, however, that the opposition had no intention of stalling House business, and would collaborate so long as its rights were safeguarded.

The committee, meeting under the chairmanship of Mr Speaker Louis Galea, decided on dates for the debates on the motor vehicle registration tax, broadcasting, the utility tariffs and the rent laws.

Debate on the motor vehicle registration tax will take place today and tomorrow, with no division at the end of the sitting. Although the debate on the procedural motion was concluded yesterday, tomorrow's debate will be held in the evening.

Amendments to the Broadcasting Act will be debated on March 9 and 18.

Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, March 10 and 11, will be taken up with the opposition-instigated debate on the utility tariffs. That Wednesday's debate, too, is envisaged for the evening.

Illegal immigration will be debated on March 16 and 17, with no vote to be taken. The debate will be started off by Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat and concluded by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.