MP sees lack of respect for parliament's sovereignty

Labour MP Gavin Gulia yesterday condemned the government for not respecting parliament's sovereignty and giving work that could be done by the Social Affairs Committee to another ad hoc committee.

Dr Gulia was referring to a report currently being drawn up by a committee which includes representatives of non-governmental organisations, set up by former President Guido de Marco.

During a parliamentary sitting on Wednesday, Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said he would welcome a debate in the Social Affairs Committee on updating the drugs law - a debate Dr Gulia was insisting on - once the report had been drawn up.

Dr Gulia said yesterday the reason for the report being compiled by a committee outside Parliament was obvious; so that discussion within the Social Affairs Committee would be conditioned by the report.

"I will not allow the parliamentary committee to be manipulated and used as a stamp of approval for the other committee," he said.

Dr Gulia stressed that the discussion within a parliamentary committee should be free from any interference and manipulation.