Updated - Inquiry into Opposition leader's car fuel consumption - Driver suspended - Speaker comments

Updated - Adds Speaker's comments - A magisterial inquiry into the fuel consumption of the Opposition leader's car is being carried out at the request of the Speaker, Anglu Farrugia.

The Nationalist Party said this afternoon that as soon as Opposition leader Simon Busuttil learnt about the inquiry, he presented an application in court making himself available for any information that may be requested. He said that he too wanted to know what had happened, as soon as possible.

Dr Busuttil has also written to the Speaker asking him to immediately suspend the driver attached to him, pending the conclusion of the inquiry. SPEAKER'S COMMENT

When contacted Speaker Anglu Farrugia said the issue was raised after Parliament's accounts section reported possible discrepancies between fuel consumption and the registered mileage.

He said he did not know the amounts involved. 

He said the Leader of the Opposition had offered all assistance and collaboration in the investigation.

Dr Farrugia said Dr Busuttil's driver has been suspended at Dr Busuttil's request.

The Opposition leader's driver is chosen by the leader of the opposition but paid for by Parliament.

The PN said the Opposition...