Updated: Battle against VAT 'politically and morally won' - Muscat

The battle for the refund of VAT on vehicle registration tax had been politically and morally won, Labour leader Joseph Muscat said today.

Referring to the large crowds which yesterday went to Labour headquarters to join a court action demanding a refund of the tax, Dr Muscat said that if the local courts turned down the claim, the PL would take the issue all the way up to the European courts.

He said that yesterday's PL appeal had brought together people of all beliefs, united by the common desire to seek justice and their rights. A labour governemnt, he said, would have immediately refunded the money they were owed.

Dr Muscat criticised Roads Minister Austin Gatt over 'confusion' in the wake of his statement that the road network would be privatised and asked if parking meters would be introduced. He said two persons, well known in PN circles, had ordered parking meters even before a call for tenders was issued.

The PL leader also kept up his criticism of speed cameras. He said that although speed cameras were important from the safety aspect, the speed limit of 60km/h rendered them an extra tax.

Dr Muscat said that the March 30 Freedom Day manifestation by Labour would this year be a protest against the utility tariffs.

The Roads Ministry in a reply to Dr Muscat said there were no plans for the introduction of parking meters. Should Dr Muscat know of anyone who had bought parking meters, he should tell them that they had wasted their money, the ministry said.