The committee to exclude economic operators from public procurement procedures has been inactive since August, when two of its three members resigned, a former member told the House ethics committee on Wednesday.

Furthermore, the MPs heard that to date the finance ministry has not proceeded with the appointment of new members.

Andreas Agrotis – the former member – said he had resigned in August, following the resignation of chairman Charis Solomonides in May.

The House ethics committee was discussing complaints regarding contractors involved in the Paphos sewerage council (Sapa) scandal and the delays in investigating the complaints by the Contractors Council.

A Paphos criminal court decision in 2014 found the Sapa case was rife with corruption and bribes involving mayors and public officials, after companies offered millions to land contracts with the Paphos sewerage board.

The Contractors Council however dropped the probe against its members. As such, they are now free to apply to government tenders.

The House committee, which had discussed the matter last February, said it would send a letter to the finance minister on Thursday and would reconvene next week to continue discussions.

Chairman of the committee Disy MP Demetris Demetriou said the issue was brought to the table on Wednesday after “provocative” remarks by a person from one of the six companies referred to in a court ruling as having admitted to bribery – as a prosecution witness – who recently said “he was the victim in the case and even helped the institutions”.

Demetriou asked to be informed if in the deal the companies made with the Law Office, turning them into prosecution witnesses in the Sapa case, there was any provision for them not to be prosecuted.

Independent MP Alexandra Attalides, who tabled the issue, said “the scandal involved over €1 million in bribes”, which passed “painlessly” for those who were bribing, while those receiving the bribes went to prison and will not be able to practise their profession again.

Attalides demanded accountability on behalf of the Law Office.

Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades, who had been invited to the meeting, said amending the law to allow for the quicker investigation of complaints was in the pipeline and various scenarios were being looked into, such as practices in Greece.

Vice-president of the Contractors Council Irene Neofytou said the minutes requested would be sent to the House.

She added that the Contractors Council had reached eight decisions on those facing disciplinary proceedings, with six being let off due to delays.

Former president of the council Xenia Kleopa said the proceedings were a “feat”.

Etek vice-president Platon Stylianou said the technical chamber (Etek) had struck off four people who had been convicted from its registry and that proceedings were ongoing for another three.

Apart from the procurement issue, Agrotis said that over the past five years, during his tenure, no cases related to Sapa had been brought forward.