Falla decides not to read minutes

COMMERCE and Employment minister Stuart Falla has vowed not to read the minutes of the Policy Council meeting at which members discussed his position. They were posted to all deputies yesterday, providing him with the first chance to see what other ministers had said about his role as 40% shareholder in R. G. Falla and his position in government.

He was also asked to appear before the independent inquiry early next week.

'I've genuinely not read what has been in the Press. You can't avoid the headlines, but I've not read the details,' said Deputy Falla.

'In order to get my recollections clear for the meeting with the Audit Office, I decided that I would not contaminate them with reading the views of my colleagues in that Policy Council meeting.'

He was concerned his thoughts might get 'distorted' by reading the minutes.

'I haven't read them and don't intend to until this review has taken place.'

Deputy Falla had left the meeting when discussions took place about the R. G. Falla tender for the PEH clinical block because of his interest in the company.

He is no longer involved with it on a day-to-day basis, but with his wife holds a 40% shareholding.

'I'm looking forward to the review. I think it will bring out the positions taken by various people into a clearer position, therefore judgements or views can be formed about why those came about and the lessons that can be learnt.'