OFF-ISLAND contractors and suppliers will continue to do business with the Isle of Man government so that the best prices can be achieved for the taxpayer.

That was the response from Chief Minister Allan Bell this morning in response to questions from David Callister MLC who expressed concerns that local companies were losing out to off-Island businesses.

Mr Callister wanted a policy introduced where all government contracts will be first advertised on the Island and, only when local companies cannot be secured, that off-Island contractors and suppliers should be sought.

Mr Bell said in his response that there was a balance to be struck but felt that he could not sanction a policy of off-Island contractors and suppliers not being included. He added that local economic factors are taken into account where appropriate.

But he pointed out that the local price in one instance was 50% higher than a UK supplier. “My heart would say ‘support the local supplier’, but we have to take costs into account on behalf of the taxpayer. We will always focus on local traders where possible.”