The government will next year issue a White Paper in which it will question whether state school opening times should be changed, or staggered.

The plans were announced this evening by Finance Minister Edward Scicluna during the Budget speech. Such changes may be necessary because of problems with traffic and transport, and parents’ working hours.

Other White Papers will be issued next year on the donation of organs, law enforcement and the regulation of real estate agents and property agents and consultants.

SINGLE AGENCY FOR REGULATORY LAW ENFORCEMENT

The minister explained that there were currently various government bodies enforcing laws and regulations in their particular areas (such as Mepa, MCA, MTA, the health department. These bodies were acting independently of each other and not exchanging information, he said.

The White Paper would propose the creation of a single agency with an inspectorate and the resources to enforce the law. (excluding law enforcement for which the police are responsible).

VALLETTA SHOPS

The minister said the government would also take action next year to stop the practice where government-owned shops in Valletta were sub-let through management agreements. The government, he said, would only recognise the people the properties had been granted to.