The Department of Economic Development Minister John Shimmin MHK has announced the delegation of duties to his political members following on from his appointment as Minister. The four politicians assigned to the Department are Mr Alex Downie OBE, MLC, Mr Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK, Mr Alan Crowe MLC and Mr Laurence Skelly MHK. The Department of Economic Development was formed in 2010 with the purpose of maintaining the Island's successful and diversified economy. A number of former Departments were brought together to help them to work more closely in bringing business to the Island. The delegated responsibilities are as follows:- Minister John Shimmin, MHK will retain the responsibility for E-gaming. Mr Alex Downie OBE, MLC - area of responsibility: Aircraft and Ship Registries, Space and Information Systems Division Mr Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK - area of responsibility: Tourism and Motorsport. Mr Corkish will also have Departmental responsibility for the Post Office. Mr Alan Crowe MLC - area of responsibility: Financial Services and the Companies Registry Mr Laurence Skelly MHK – area of responsibility: Manufacturing, Retail, Film, E-commerce, Clean Tech, Bio-tech, Energy, Construction, Mines and Minerals. Mr Skelly will also lead the Employment and Skills Group. Minister Shimmin said: ‘I am delighted that Alex Downie MLC, Geoff Corkish MHK, Alan Crowe MLC and Laurence Skelly MHK have joined me in the Department of Economic Development and together with our officers and industry colleagues we remain committed and will work hard to achieve economic growth.’ He went on to say: ‘The partnership with all sectors of the economy must continue to ensure future success and enhancement of our Island’s quality of life.’ Ends