The LNG storage facility will remain berthed in Marsaxlokk Bay until Malta receives funds for and completes a gas pipeline, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said this evening.

Dr Muscat made no reference to a story published on Times of Malta today that the government was planning an offshore storage facility. He, however, said Marsaxlokk residents were more concerned about the "cancer factory" that was the power station.

"We will be eliminating the old system being used today to give you and your children better air quality. By switching from heavy fuel oil, the most polluting fuel, to natural gas, we will be removing a million tonnes a year of particulate matter from the air. Over and above this, utility bills are being reduced. This is what we promised and this is what we are delivering," he said at the well-attended party activity.

FISHERIES AGREEMENT

He told Marsaxlokk residents that an agreement Malta managed to attain within the EU would not burden fishermen with any more fishing quotas. "We know you are worried on issues related to quotas on tuna and swordfish but these issues are up to Europe. The difference is that you have a government which will stick up for you. However, we need people in the European institutions who are pulling our same rope. We need people who work shoulder to shoulder with the Maltese government," he said as he appealed to people to vote Labour.

He also mentioned the plans announced today to reduce waiting lists for cataract operations and the plans for members of the disciplined corps to join a trade union of their choice.