Alternattiva Demokratika has welcomed news that Parliament will this evening commence the debate on the Bill dealing with Standards in Public Life.

Carmel Cacopardo, Deputy Chairperson, said that although the Bill is an improvement on the presentsituation, substantial improvement is still required.

"It is essential that regulatory measures dealing with the lobbying of politicians in both formal and informal meetings are introduced. The Bill as presented ignores lobbying completed and does not attempt its regulation," he said.

He said the Bill should be passed by parliament without undue delay.

"There were many cases in the past two years which could have been investigated had such legislation been in place. It is hence essential that the Bill is improved and approved in the shortest possible time as well as that the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life is appointed as soon as possible," he said.