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The polluter pays principle should apply even to the government, the Labour Party’s spokesman for the environment, Leo Brincat said.

Referring to the spillage of aviation fuel at Enemalta’s Wied Dalam plant a week ago, an incident only reported yesterday, Mr Brincat said this could have environmental consequences and it was important to apply the polluter pays principle to the government.

In such serious cases the government should not rely only on reports prepared by its own workers but should also call an independent technical independent inquiry.

Alternattiva Demokratika in another statement called for a "full and public assessment" of any possible environmental damage as a result of the spillage.

Energy, Industry and Transport spokesman Ralph Cassar said: "Enemalta has been too slow to react... It is very important that when accidents happen a full and public assessment into any possible damages is conducted. An extensive spill could seriously contaminate the Maltese aquifer."

“It is clear that Enemalta's procedures need looking into. Alternattiva Demokratika hopes that the dangerous mentality of secrecy is consigned to the past once and for all,” Mr Cassar said.