Transport Minister Joe Mizzi said today that Spanish-owned Malta Public Transport is not obliged to give the government certain information, such as about the maintenance of buses.

Replying to questions in Parliament by Marthese Portelli (PN) Mr Mizzi said that although the government asked many questions, but this was a private company and it was not obliged to reply to everything, such as how often the buses were maintained.

However, the company was obliged to follow requirements laid down by the law and its contract. That included road worthiness, which was also tested by VRT, the number of buses on the road, and the routes to be followed.

He said new routes in Malta would be rolled out gradually as planned.

Mario de Marco (PN) asked why, eight months on, he had not tabled the government's agreement with Autobuses de Leon, which owns MPT. What were the service levels stated in the contract?

Mr Mizzi said the opposition had been putting spokes in the wheel in various sectors of transport.

Dr Portelli denied the minister's claim.

Mr Mizzi stood by his claim, saying the opposition had harmed the country with mistaken claims and alarmist statements.

For example, he said, had anyone seen workers being dismissed and Spaniards taking over driving duties? 

He said he would not give the opportunity to undermine the people's confidence in the bus service, and the contract would be published at the opportune time.

Dr de Marco said the minister had a responsibility to the people to publish the contract. What was defined as the opportune time?

Mr Mizzi said no opportunity would be given to the opposition to cause harm.