An investigation by the authorities has established that a family which had complained about a high water and electricity bill had actually not paid any bills for the past six years, Finance Minister Tonio Fenech said in Parliament this evening.

Labour MP Silvio Parnis said that the family of five, which depended on social services, had received a bill for €9,521. He said the family wanted the bill and meters checked as it could not keep up with the bills.

Mr Fenech said this case had been investigated. It resulted that this was a family of seven whose bills were last paid in December 2004.

The consumer had contested the bill on several occasions.

In 2001 a check of the water system found nothing unusual.

In 2002 the water meter was replaced and found to be working well.

In 2005 it was confirmed that there were no leakages or anything unusual.

Also in 2005, in reply to a parliamentary question, it was explained that consumption was reasonable for a family of seven.

In 2006 the electricity meter was tested and found to be working accurately.

Later that year, it was found that the roof tank was overflowing. As a result of a leakage, the consumer was given credit.

Another check in 2007 confirmed that the meters were accurate.

In view of all this, Mr Fenech said, there were no grounds for reductions or revisions. He suggested that the consumer should contact the credit control section at Enemalta.