Should the Isle of Man have more CCTV or do cameras on every corner intrude on our privacy?

That was one of the debates in Tynwald yesterday as members discussed the Chief Constable’s Annual Report.

North Douglas MHK Bill Henderson said it was time local authorities made significant investments in CCTV technology to cut crime on the streets, but Rushen member Quintin Gill said more cameras meant less freedom.

Mr Gill gave this reaction to Mr Henderson's suggestion:

"It might seem on face value to be a good idea, but when you actually look at it with a critical eye, and look for evidence to support that assertion, it's sadly lacking, and it's not surprising that it's lacking.

"It's a a further extension of a 'surveillance state' and the relationship between the authorities - the local authorities, the police or whoever is operating CCTVs - and the public is one of 'suspect', rather than 'citizen', and 'authority'.

"Thant's very unhealthy thing and I don't think anybody in the Isle of Man actually wants that."