Opposition whip Joe Mizzi yesterday complained with Mr Speaker that Finance Minister Tonio Fenech was absent from Parliament and he could not exercise his right, under the standing orders, to put him a supplementary question on utility bills.

Arms Ltd is not treating customers fairly

Minister Jason Azzopardi, on behalf of Mr Fenech, had just finished answering a question by Silvio Parnis (PL) asking Arms Ltd to investigate a case where a woman was asked to pay a utility bill of €391.23 in respect of a dead relative for a property which had been returned to the owners. The minister said that Arms Ltd would contact the client directly.

On being answered that at that time the minister was not abroad but was on ministerial duties in Malta, Mr Mizzi said that according to the code of ethics, Mr Fenech’s first duty was towards the House. Such an attitude could not be tolerated.

Mr Mizzi said question time was a means for the opposition to scrutinise the government and complained he could not ask a question in public interest in connection with utility bills. These, he said, were being sent as estimates when consumers had themselves phoned Arms Ltd with actual readings.

Arms Ltd was not treating customers fairly and the government was robbing them.

Further debate ensued and Dr Azzopardi suggested that Mr Mizzi put the question in writing. In the meantime, he said, he would also draw the attention of Mr Fenech to the Labour MP’s complaint.