Allan Bell says the working group looking into early years education is nearly ready to report on its final recommendations.

In Tynwald this week he refused to comment on claims that a voucher scheme was going to be introduced.

Former education member Dudley Butt asked if it was true that Manx children were going to be eligible for 45 hours of free pre-school a year at a cost of ?350.

Mr Bell refused to answer, but afterwards told Manx Radio that there definitely would be some level of support.