Opposition leader challenges Prime Minister with long list of questions regarding LNG tanker

At the resumption of Parliament yesterday evening, Leader of the Opposition Simon Busuttil asked the Prime Minister if he intends to make a ministerial statement over the arrival of the LNG tanker which arrived in Malta early yesterday morning.

Speaking in Parliament right after the ministerial statements, Dr Busuttil asked if the Prime Minister intends to explain why no risk assessment report was published before the tanker’s arrival. He went on asking a long series of questions, including what happens if a storm hits Malta, or what happens if the ship is not berthed properly.

“Would the Prime Minister please explain what happens in case of a collision? What happens if there is a leak? What measures will the government take in case of an emergency?” Dr Busuttil asked.

The Prime Minister immediately rebutted saying that the House will have the time to discuss this issue further during the budget debate. He said Dr Busuttil made a number of false assertions and asked if Dr Busuttil would be willing to remove the tanker and return to heavy fuel oil if elected to government.

Parliament resumed yesterday after the summer recess with the discussion focusing on the pensions of members of the judiciary. Yesterday’s session kicked off with one member less, as Leo Brincat will now be serving in the European Court of Auditors. His seat is still vacant as the casual election for his replacement will be held today.

Would the Prime Minister please explain what happens in case of a collision? What happens if there is a leak? What measures will the government take in case of an emergency?