The Nationalist Party parliamentary group has agreed to set up committee to suggest amendments  to the Bill on divorce, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi announced this afternoon.

Speaking after a meeting of the Group, he said the committee would be composed of Tonio Borg, Dolores Cristina, Mario de Marco, Jesmond Mugliett and Francis Zammit Dimech.

The composition of the committee includes MPs who had said they would vote in favour and others who indicated they would vote against divorce in Parliament.  

Dr Gonzi said a procedural motion would need to be moved in the House to formalise the procedure to be followed for the parliamentary debate on divorce.

It was revealed last Friday that the government and the opposition are having talks on ways to enable all MPs to take part in the committee stage of the debate - which is usually restricted to the five members forming the Committee for the Consideration of Bills. The two sides are also considering ways how suggested amendments could be presented early, and how officials from the Yes and No camps could give their input during the committee proceedings.

The debate is expected to be held next month. 

Dr Gonzi confirmed that the Group had also discussed the Opposition motion on ministers' pay and the government position was explained.

Earlier, former minister Jesmond Mugliett said questions he had on this issues were answered 'to a point'.