It was a pleasure to read the contribution by Edwin Vella about the proposal to tax vacant properties (November 2). I had the honour to work with him for a number of years and hold him in high esteem.

I have written about this quandary. The laws are archaic and do not encourage anyone to take the necessary action. It all started with freezing 1939 rents. How can any owner maintain a building when 40 years would be required to recoup the repair expenses incurred?

The complex of Valletta and Floriana buildings has never been tackled. If MPs would forget their differences and wake up to their responsibilities, there should be a joint committee, working within a strict time frame, that would study the problems and hear suggestions.

Imposing a tax would be adding insult to injury. Thesubbasta does help, but ittakes too long and is complex and very expensive.

Come honourable members. There are legal boffins whocould draft a new comprehensive law. With so many vacant premises, squatters should be made to move out.

Having said all this, what about the many plots left idle and even hampering proper development? I suggest that MPs go and have a look at, say, Qawra, in the area behind the new church.

Once an area is included in the national development plan, the owners should be allowed a decent amount of time after which, yes, tax them by all means.

The only solution would be to scrap all laws relating to property and start anew with an open mind and fairness towards all concerned.