The Prime Minister this morning expressed regret at comments made by the Mepa audit officer last week.

Speaking in a radio interview, Dr Gonzi said that a milestone was reached when the Magistrates' Court recently declared that there was nothing wrong in meetings between developers and Mepa planning officers.

The Audit officer in comments to The Times on Monday said such meetings were illegal according to law.

Dr Gonzi said the role of the audit officer was important, but he regretted comments which questioned a decision of the court. One should respect the institutions.

"I have a duty to respect the audit officer, but we cannot have such statements which could hinder Mepa as it seeks to facilitate the development process in a way which is fair, transparent and according to the rules," Dr Gonzi said.

One could not have a situation where, because no explanation was given as to how a decision was taken, it was claimed that there was corruption. One should seek an explanation, not immediately claim irregularity or corruption.

Dr Gonzi said the government and a House Select Committee were considering a proposal made by the Ombudsman for officers who have a role such as the audit-officer to fall within the aegis of the Ombudsman.

One benefit of such a set-up, Dr Gonzi said, was that persons who were not lawyers could be given advice before they put pen to paper, because everything that was said had legal, moral and ethical implications.