Retired Judge Alberto Magri is to head an inquiry into serious allegations of illegal activities at the Addolorata Cemetery, the government announced this evening.

The inquiry was called by the Minister for Health and Energy, Konrad Mizzi, and Parliamentary Secretary Chris Fearne after allegations made yesterday in Parliament by Nationalist MP Claudette Buttigieg.

This morning Ms Buttigieg gave the police and Dr Mizzi details of what she described yesterday as 'shocking abuses' taking place at the Addolorata Cemetery.

Ms Buttigieg spoke about the abuses during the adjournment of the House yesterday but said she did not feel comfortable giving details in public.

The Nationalist MP revealed, however, that there was a 'racket' by staff who charged money to clean graves. One health inspector had also been abusively digging graves and selling them.

Informed sources said a number of new workers turned up at the cemetery today.

The Health Ministry said it had taken immediate action and suspended an Environemntal Health Practitioner allegedly involved in the abuses. He had worked at the cemetery for 11 years until he was transferred to another section in April..

The director responsible, who allegedly knew of the abuses but did not take action, was also suspended, pending the inquiry.