With reference to the article entitled Government Must Point Out Consequences Of Private Decisions (June 4) where it was stated that "Mr Vassallo was clarifying comments he made..." I must declare that I gave my comments to the journalist because he was interviewing me and asking for more information about what my views are concerning various matters relating to family matters and issues. I had no need to "clarify" my comments made during the Social Affairs Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 1, because my message was clear enough and neither did I utter such words as quoted by The Times: "Where he said that even what went on between the sheets..."

What I disagreed with was the heading given in The Times article of June 3 entitled What Happens In Bedroom "Is Government's Business" because it completely misinterpreted my intervention in the Parliamentary Social Affairs Committee.

The article contents run contrary to the title. Neither did I say that the government should involve itself in individuals' private lives.

During the meeting I said that the government is often called to provide remedial measures when relationships break down or change in nature.

I also stated that I strongly believe in the rights and privacy of each and every individual citizen and that the government has no right and should not interfere in private matters.