The European Commission has asked the government for information about a scrap yard in Birżebbuġa in order to determine whether the Maltese authorities are enforcing Mepa rules and whether EU regulations are being breached.

The issue over the scrap yard, located at Wied Żembaq, was brought to the attention of Brussels by Labour leader Joseph Muscat, who is also an MEP, through a parliamentary question at the European Parliament a few weeks ago.

Dr Muscat sought the Commission's comments over the location of the scrap yard, alleging that while Mepa was trying to close it down the government was awarding it contracts.

According to Dr Muscat, the scrap yard is within 300 metres of the prehistoric sites of Borġ in-Nadur and Għar Dalam and lies within a designated Rural Conservation Area, an Area of Ecological Value and in a site of scientific importance. He said the whole of Wied Żembaq and its environs are archaeologically sensitive and have been designated as a Heritage Park in the Marsaxlokk Bay local plan.

Dr Muscat informed the EU executive that although Mepa has been issuing enforcement orders against the unsanctioned scrap yard since 1993, the enforcement process has been plagued by appeal after appeal on the part of the abusive scrap yard owners. He said that despite this dispute with Mepa, the scrap yard was issued a trading licence in 2004 and is being awarded government contracts.

Sources in Brussels told The Times that following Dr Muscat's allegations, the Commission asked the Maltese authorities to furnish it with information about the scrap yard.

Replying to the issue raised by Dr Muscat, European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said the Commission is seeking clarifications.

"The various issues raised are covered by different authorities and the Malta Environment and Planning Authority will inform the Commission as soon as all the information can be gathered," he told Dr Muscat.

Mr Dimas said "the Commission will follow this case and ensure compliance with Community legislation."