The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Anglu Farrugia, ruled this evening that the parliamentary Committee for the Environment and Development Planning   may not discuss the environment permit for the new power station because it is not within its remit in terms of the law, and because the House Business Committee had decided that such a debate would be held in the Whole House.

The Opposition called for the debate within the committee last week, arguing that a committee debate would make it possible for experts to attend, brief the committee and reply to questions. A debate in the Whole House would be solely between MPs.

Labour MP Marlene Farrugia had agreed with the Opposition argument, saying that a committee on the environment and development should be able to debate an issue such as this. She said, however, that she would refer to the Speaker for guidance.

Following this evening's ruling, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat confirmed that the debate in the Whole House will be held tomorrow.

Mepa is expected to decide on the permit next week.