Prime Minister Joseph Muscat is insisting that Cabinet members, himself included, are adhering to the provisions of the code of ethics stipulating they have to declare their assets within two months of being sworn in.

However, when Times of Malta asked for a copy, the Prime Minister said the information would first be given to Parliament.

This newspaper asked the Office of the Prime Minister to say whether Cabinet members, including parliamentary secretaries, have submitted the financial declarations to the Cabinet secretary as laid down in the code.

However, despite several reminders, the OPM did not reply.

When questioned on the matter on Thursday, Dr Muscat said the questions had not reached him and could not say why a reply had not been given.

“We have made the declarations and we will soon table them in Parliament,” he said.

The code of ethics lays down that ministers should deposit a declaration with the Cabinet secretary, listing their deposits, income in the previous year, outstanding loans, immovable property, shares, bonds and other interests they may have in a company or business partnership.

The declaration, which is normally made public through Parliament, should also include property belonging to the ministers’ spouses, if this forms part of the community of acquests, as well as of those of any minor children.

The Prime Minister categorically denied an allegation made earlier this week by Nationalist MP David Agius that Ministers Marie Louise Coleiro Preca and Anton Refalo had promised prisoners and their families an amnesty if Labour came to power.

Questions sent to the two ministers about the matter remain unanswered.