The House of Representatives yesterday rose for its summer recess, with an appointment to reconvene on September 29.

Mr Speaker Michael Frendo gave some statistics on the work that had gone on in the House since January 2010.

There had been 78 sittings during which 39 motions and 10 Bills had been debated. Two of the Bills had been approved after divisions but the rest had been unanimous.

Papers laid on the table of the House had amounted to 1,691. There had been six ministerial statements, 15 rulings (of which 11 by the present Speaker), and 70 adjournments.

Meetings of the various standing and select committees had also contributed to a comprehensive debating time of 417 hours. The working groups of the European and Foreign Affairs Committee had scrutinised more than 400 EU initiatives.

Finally, Mr Speaker said, the website of Parliament had had 40,838 visitors, which meant just under 6,000 a month.

Both Deputy Prime Minister Tonio Borg and opposition deputy leader Anġlu Farrugia thanked the Speaker for the seriousness with which he had occupied his office to date, with Dr Farrugia adding that he had shown absolute independence in the interests of democracy. In spite of appearances, filling this third position in the state was not an easy task.

Most sittings had been tranquil and some had been more agitated, but fortunately without the scenes that had been seen in other Parliaments.

Dr Borg pointed out that several Bills had passed with changes but with full agreement between government and opposition. Part of reason for this lack of recognition was the fact that most Bills did not come to plenary sessions of the House.

They both thanked all MPs and those who worked in and around Parliament to support its activity. They deserved to have some time of rest to enjoy their families.

The Speaker joined in thanking all MPs for their cooperation and the others involved for their concerted efforts in spite of being a small team.