The environment, alternative energy and climate change were omitted from the pre-budget document published by the government, contrary to past years, the Labour Party has complained.

Opposition spokesman Leo Brincat said it was disappointing that the document about economic growth, employment and social cohesion hardly referred to green economy.

Mr Brincat asked how the proposed budget would address the deficiencies affecting the quality and sustainability of the country's environment.

However, the Rural Affairs Ministry defended its green credentials and said that, irrespective of whether environmental measures taken by the government were included in the budget or not, there was a good number of them were featured.

Among them were assistance for the purchase of solar water heaters and photovoltaic panels, the granting of free energy-saving bulbs, legislative changes on the energy performance of buildings and the drawing up of a national strategy for the reduction of greenhouse gases, among others.

"This all shows how the government truly has an environmental conscience. The public consultation processes are remarkable, it is a shame the government or the public have not heard of one proposal from the opposition."