Privitisation Unit chairman Manuel Camilleri revealed today it was Economy Minister Chris Cardona who personally intervened and ordered him to dissolve a technical committee entrusted to evaluate the concession of a new casino licence.

Speaking during the hearing of a court case in which Dragonara Gaming is challenging the Privatisation Unit decision to name Eden Leisure as the preferred bidder, Mr Camilleri said Dr Cardona called him and instructed him to dissolve the committee, chaired by Judge Geoffrey Valencia, that was anslysing the two bids.

Dr Camilleri said Parliamentary Secretary Edward Zammit Lewis had already called him and expressed his concern on potential conflict of interest among members of the technical committee.

He said all members of the committee were asked to sign a declaration to state  they had no conflict.

According to Mr Camilleri, even though all four members signed the declaration, Dr Cardona still ordered the suspension of the committee.

Mr Camilleri said that following an analysis, it had been concluded that Eden Leisure's proposal was the most advantageous for the government.

The case continues.