It's been suggested the Manx Government should step in to tackle sky-rocketing house prices.

Onchan MHK Peter Karran says politicians have a responsibility to society to ensure everyone can afford their own homes.

The average price for a property here jumped from ?238,000 in 2006 to ?266,000 last year.

Mr Karran says it's time for action (audio file attached):

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Tony Brown has issued a statement saying it's inevitable prices will climb at the rate they have until supply is increased sufficiently.

Mr Brown is hopeful that can be done through the government's house building programme, which has produced almost 400 public sector properties over the last five years, with 500 more planned for the next five, subject to planning approval.