Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday in Parliament gave his assurance that no case of swine flu had been identified or even suspected in Malta.

He was answering a supplementary parliamentary question by opposition whip Joe Mizzi, who had just asked if the Cabinet had discussed the situation and what provisions had been taken to prevent any outbreak.

Mr Mizzi said he was asking the question to give the government the opportunity to allay any doubts, rather than to sow doubts.

Dr Gonzi said all possible reassurance had been given by the highest WHO officials, who confirmed there was no connection between the swine flu and the eating of pork. This was in spite of the fact that a neighbouring country had started culling pigs, which had drawn criticism even from the UN.