Opposition Deputy Leader Mario de Marco yesterday asked the Speaker for a two-pronged ruling after the government disagreed with televising the debate on the power station on Monday.

Dr de Marco had originally asked that parts of the debate be televised.

In view of the fact that there was already an agreement for debates in the new Parliament building to be screened, he hoped the two sides could agree.

Deputising for Government Whip Carmelo Abela, MP Deborah Schembri said the agreement on debates in the new Parliament was not specific, and the government’s position was unfavourable to Dr de Marco’s suggestion.

Dr de Marco said Mr Abela had already said the question was not one of disagreement but of lack of history of such practices. So what was the difference in principle?

Standing Order 173 ruled on radio broadcasts; this would be a question of moving with the times.

Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech said Mr Abela had disagreed with televising only parts of the debate in a pick-and-choose manner.

Dr de Marco said he had no objection to televising the full debate. It would be “good practice” for the new Parliament building.

When Dr Schembri continued to stand fast on the government’s disagreement, he pointed out that Standing Order 173 did not exclude television, so what was not excluded could be considered included.

He asked Speaker Anġlu Farrugia to rule on both Standing Order 173 and the Opposition’s request for televising the debate.