Arguments over procedure yesterday characterised a brief session of the House Privileges Committee, which is considering a breach of privilege complaint brought by the Prime Minister against the Leader of the Opposition.

Joseph Muscat had protested against Simon Busuttil’s claim that the government had interfered in the police investigation of former EU commissioner John Dalli.

Dr Busuttil had refused to retract his allegation, arguing that it was borne out by a series of events.

The clash yesterday was over whether the Prime Minister had other witnesses that he wanted to present.

The Opposition argued there was an agreement for the Leader of the Opposition to give evidence only after the government side had exhausted its witnesses.

Chris Said (PN) said that since the accusation against the Leader of the Opposition was of a criminal nature, the witnesses had to be exhausted before Dr Busuttil would be in a position to testify. Mr Speaker, Anġlu Farrugia, asked the government side if it was in a position to declare that it had no more witnesses.

Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech declined and Labour MP Carmelo Abela insisted witnesses could be called at any stage.

Dr Farrugia said that once Dr Muscat had not notified the committee of any witnesses, no more witnesses would be presented.

However, he could opt to question Opposition witnesses.

The sitting was suspended for the Leader of the Opposition to give evidence in another sitting.