A total of 108 transfers have been made within the police force since the elections, Home Affairs Minister Emanuel Mallia said in Parliament this evening.

Replying to questions by Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi, Dr Mallia said the transfers were carried out according to the needs of the Force. The transfer decisions, he said, were taken by the Police Commissioner and were two fewer than in 1998.

Dr Azzopardi asked why the number of policemen at St Julian's was down when Labour had promised greater security.

Dr Mallia said the number of patrols would be increased.

Dr Azzopardi asked why an inspector had been removed from the SAG and transferred to a police station.

Dr Mallia said the Commissioner decided according to the needs of the police force.

Dr Azzopardi asked if another 70 transfers were planned, and whether the district police were being weakened.

Dr Mallia said he disagreed, and added the situation in the SAG was not a happy one and a review was needed.

Dr Azzopardi asked if the transfers were being ordered by Silvio Scerri, the ministry's Chief of Staff.

Dr Mallia said transfer decisions were taken by the Commissioner. Recommendations were not decisions. 

In reply to another question, Transport Minister Joe Mizzi said 74 transfers had taken place within his ministry. He said 64 were by agreement and 10 involved the shifting of ministerial responsibilities. He was not involved in the transfers.