The results of exams held in March for those seeking a licence to assist in the manufacture of fireworks have still not been issued, the Labour Party said today.

Home Affairs spokesman Michael Falzon - who had served as legal adviser to the pyrotechnics association -  said this delay was excessive and dangerous, especially as it had covered the whole of the festa season. The results were supposed to have been issued after a short time - and resits were supposed to have been held in June. 

Dr Falzon said this was a symptom of how the situation in the Ministry of Home Affairs, now under the direct responsibility of the prime minister, had deteriorated. 

In a reply the ministry said that Dr Falzon knew that the results started to be issued today.

For the first time, the examination was written and followed an extensive course which covered subjects such as chemistry, accident prevention and first aid.

The majority of those who attended the course had a licence which permitted them to enter factories, the ministry said.