The purpose of a Tynwald committee has been called into question by one of its former members.

East Douglas MHK Brenda Cannell believes the Standing Committee on Economic Initiatives has lost its focus, and was taken much more seriously in her day.

Beth Espey reports (text, below, from attached audio file):

Mrs Cannell's comments came after Speaker of the House of Keys Steve Rodan, the Chairman of the committee, set out possible areas of ecomonic development. These included tourism from cruise ships, internet pharmacy and commuter railways.

But Mrs Cannell felt the committee's purpose was to look at perceived threats from outside the Isle of Man, from the EU for example, which might affect our survival. She expressed disappointment that the main focus had disappeared 'into the abyss' and said the whole report was a waste of paper.

This was countered by Committee member Graham Cregeen, who said it was about inward investment which would diversify the Island's economy. Mr Rodan said the matters investigated were at the suggestion of Tynwald members themselves, and he didn't remember receiving any ideas from Mrs Cannell.