The Opposition insisted in parliament this evening that a ministerial statement due to be given by Parliamentary Secretary for Health Chris Fearne, should be given by the minister, Konrad Mizzi, since he was in the House.

Opposition whip David Agius referred to various rulings along the years which all spoke about ministers making statements in the House.

Justice Minister Owen Bonnici said parliamentary secretaries had delegated responsibilities, and what Mr Agius had said did not exclude parliamentary secretaries in any way.

Opposition deputy leader Mario de Marco said ministerial statements, by definition, should be given by ministers.

Health and Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi said Mr Fearne and himself worked together and it had been decided that Mr Fearne would deliver the statement, as he had worked on the matter at issue - which was an investigation into alleged wrongdoings in state cemeteries.

He said he would not shirk from replying to opposition questions and had always been forthcoming.

The sitting was suspended for a ruling by the Speaker shortly after 6.30pm.

The sitting resumed at 8.08pm when the Speaker noted that the minister's delegation of authority to Mr Fearne was not general but specific to certain duties such as signing of legal notices.

Therefore, he said, the statement should be delivered by the minister. However the parliamentary secretary could respond to questions.