Transport Minister Joe Mizzi this evening demanded a ruling from Acting Speaker Censu Galea after remarks by Nationalist MP George Pullicino who complained that Social Policy Minister Marie Louise Coleiro Preca was taking too long in replying to a question by Labour MP Carmelo Abela.

According to standing orders, replies had to be concise. Ministers, he said, were not there to give lectures or ridicule the House. He wondered whether this was an attempt to make it impossible for other questions to be asked.

Ms Coleiro Preca called on Mr Pullicino to withdraw the statement. Her request was followed by a similar one by Transport Minister Joe Mizzi who said that unless the statement was withdrawn, he was calling on the Speaker to name Mr Pullicino because no MP could attribute bad motives to other MPs. 

Opposition deputy leader Mario de Marco said that Mr Pullicino only made a generic comment and Mr Mizzi was alleging that he had abused his privilege. His appeal was for calm as what was being said was not honourable for members or the people.

He said that if Mr Mizzi insisted on his request, he and Opposition leader Simon Busuttil associated themselves with Mr Pullicino’s comments, through which they were only exercising their right of expression.

Dr Busuttil associated himself with the comments personally as did PN whip David Agius.

Mr Galea suspended the sitting to consider a ruling. 

When the ruling resumed, Mr Galea said Ms Coleiro Preca had not exceeded the time to give her replies. He did not see grounds to name any MP but asked Mr Pullicino to explain.

Mr Pullicino said he was not referring to anyone in particular but was speaking in the plural.

Opposition leader Simon Busuttil said he wanted the temperature by wishing Happy Birthday to the prime minister and Nationalist MP Kristy Debono, who shared the same birthday.

The sitting then continued as normal.