10 years ago - The Times
Monday, December 29, 2008
Labour MP urges IVF rules
The Labour Party’s social affairs spokesman, Michael Farrugia is urging the government to regulate artificial fertilisation as soon as possible, in the face of a Vatican edict against the practice.
The issue should not be about what the Church wants but what the country needs, he said, adding that in-vitro fertilisation is an important scientific achievement that should be looked at very positively as a second option for those couples who cannot have children.
“But it should be regulated because the law of the jungle is not acceptable,” he added, urging the government to move legislation as soon as possible. The government also seems to be on a similar wavelength but has not been clear on where it stands.
Social Policy Minister John Dalli had said that “this is not something that can be taken lightly” adding that the issue should continue being discussed within the Social Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives.
Contacted yesterday, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Joe Cassar only said he was still waiting for proposals by the Bioethics Consultative Committee. Dr Farrugia’s call follows similar comments made by three bioethical experts including committee chairman Michael Asciak, bioethicist Pierre Mallia and Fr Peter Serracino Inglott.
25 years ago - The Times
Wednesday, December 29, 1993
Vehicle safety test to be introduced next year
Efforts to improve road safety in Malta are to be stepped up next year with the introduction of a new vehicle safety test.
The Motor Licensing and Testing Directorate will introduce the Motor Ordinance Tests (MOT) during 1994.
Starting with commercial and public transport vehicles, the MOTs will be in line with others that have been operating through Europe for years. But private cars will not be included in the new tests, not, at least, for the time being.
Two attack sergeant, constable
A police sergeant and a constable were assaulted by two men wielding a plastic water pipe at Cospicua police station on Monday night, in which both law officers were injured.
PS1354 Grixti and PC 992 Brian Abela were taken to St Luke’s Hospital suffering from various cuts and bruises, with PS Grixti being allowed home and PC Abela kept overnight for observation.
The two men also damaged radio equipment in the police station, and the police car parked outside.
Half a century ago - The Sunday Times of Malta
Sunday, December 29, 1968
Rowdy scenes in Malta House of Representatives
Members of the Opposition Labour Party resorted to violence in a very rowdy sitting of the House of Representatives on Friday.
Opposition member Dr A. V. Hyzler, overturned the Speaker’s chair and desk, the latter hitting the clerk of the House Mr L. Tortell, in the back as it fell to the floor.
Earlier in the sitting, Labour member Mr K. Agius, ran from behind the Speaker’s Chair in the direction of the government benches where Dr T. Caruana Demajo, Minister of Justice and Parliamentary Affairs was moving a Treasury Bills motion which the Opposition considered should not have been moved at that stage. Mr Agius was held by the Speaker, Dr A. Bonnici and by one of the marshals.
A wooden desk prop was also thrown at the Speaker from the Opposition side while Opposition members, led by Dr A. Buttigieg, deputy leader of the Opposition, Dr A. V. Hyzler and Mr L. Sant kept up an incessant din in an effort to obstruct proceedings.
An alleged breach of privilege, raised by Dr A. V. Hyzler against Dr T. Caruana Demajo, for allegedly misleading the House on procedure was turned down by the Speaker who qualified these tactics as “obstructionism”.