The prime minister this evening said he saw no need to make a statement in the House on the controversy surrounding Parliamentary Secretary Franco Mercieca, who has been carrying out ophthalmic surgery.
At the start of business this evening, Opposition leader Simon Busuttil and Nationalist Whip David Agius asked the prime minister whether he saw the need for a statement to the House.
Dr Muscat initially said 'no' and when pressed further, said he was following the example of his predecessor who saw no need for a statement when a minister travelled for a football match with businessmen on a private jet.