THE Isle of Man is to host the 2011 Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) standing committee later this month.

Senior politicians from more than 10 countries are due to attend the event which takes place on January 14.

It will mark the first time the Island has served as the venue for the meeting.

It follows agreement to a proposal by the President of Tynwald Noel Cringle MLC and the Speaker of the House of Keys Steve Rodan at the 2008 CSPOC in London.

The function of the meeting, to be conducted in private in the Tynwald Chamber, is to determine the agenda for and the organisation of the 2012 CSPOC.

Politicians due to attend include the Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives Harry Jenkins MP, Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons Peter Milliken MP, Indian Lok Sabha Speaker Mrs Meira Kumar and, from the UK, Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow MP.

The meeting will form part of a three-day programme of events which will provide an opportunity to promote the Island to its distinguished visitors.

Delegates will be given a tour of the Island and a number of receptions are planned.

Mr Rodan said: "This meeting will present a further opportunity to demonstrate to senior politicians that the Isle of Man has the expertise and infrastructure to accommodate high-level conferences, as evidenced by the success of the 41st plenary of the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly held here in November and the 15th Summit meeting of the British Irish Council in December.

"I am also pleased that there will be time to show delegates something of the rich heritage, varied landscapes and unique quality of life the Island has to offer."