The House National Audit Committee has postponed its decision on a government motion to grant 19 tumoli of land to the Chinese government for the building of a new embassy in Pembroke following Opposition concerns regarding details of the planning parameters of the development.

Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon said that government was proposing the devolution of over 19,000 square metres of land in Pembroke on the same conditions adopted by the former administration for the land given to the United States in Ta’ Qali for the building of its embassy.

Tonio Fenech (PN) said that while there was no objection in principle, the Opposition was concerned on the planning parameters to be applied given the proximity to the residential area.

Dr Falzon said that all development would have to follow the national planning and environmental requirements.

Mr Fenech said that the Opposition was suggesting a suspension of the decision so that the government might brief the committee members on the proposed building envelope. The suggestion was agreed upon.

The committee agreed to the devolution of various other properties, namely Dar Osanna Pia to the Salesians of Don Bosco; Casa Flamini in Paola to Hibernians FC; property in Valletta to the Malta Society of Arts and property in Birkirkara to the Don Filippo Borgia Society.

Members also approved that a parcel of land currently occupied by St Augustine School be passed on to government and in exchange the Augustinian Province was given the former Medical School.