IF there’s one thing that’s consistent about the questions asked in Tynwald and the House of Keys it’s the huge diversity of subjects covered at every sitting.
Tomorrow’s sitting of the Keys shows the huge range of subjects covered by our politicians, ranging this time from matters as international as the Isle of Man’s commitment to tackle global warming to the government’s “policy on seagulls”.
A total of 17 questions have been tabled for oral answer and another four for written answer. Bill Henderson (North Douglas) and Kate Beecroft (LVP, South Douglas) are asking most questions with other contributions from Alf Cannan (Michael), Leonard Singer (Ramsey), David Quirk (Onchan) and Zac Hall (LVP, Onchan).
Subjects covered include taxes on supermarkets, running costs at Manx Radio, fuel prices, bus timetables, leisure facilties for young people, private pet cemeteries, care for cancer patients and the countryside care scheme subsidies.
And another “old nugget” is also back again - the Freedom of Information Act. Placed on the back burner by former Chief Minister Tony Brown, the subject will no doubt return again and again during this term. Tomorrow, Kate Beecroft (South Douglas) asks a question on the subject, in line with the LVP manifesto promise to pursue the matter.
But the topic that is likely to get as much attention as any tomorrow is the gem from Onchan MHK David Quirk which could surely only be asked in the Isle of Man.
He will be asking the final question for oral answer when he asks the new DEFA Minister Phil Gawne “what is his policy in regard to seagulls?” The answer should be fascinating, and probably not without a fair modicum of Rushen humour!
