A draft Freedom of Information Bill will be going out to public consultation during the summer.

The news was confirmed by Chief Minister Tony Brown in Tynwald, in his reply to a question from newly sworn-in MHK for East Douglas, Chris Robertshaw.

Mr Brown said he hoped a first reading of the Bill could take place later this year (play audio file):

Last month a Select Committee of Tynwald, reporting on the long-running Spadoni inquiry, recommended freedom of information legislation should be brought forward as soon as possible.

The couple, from Port St Mary, submitted a Petition for Redress of Grievance after a fishing boat they owned failed seaworthiness tests in the Isle of Man, despite having passed them in the United Kingdom.