The treasury minister has refused to be drawn on how much money will be cut from government departments and other public service areas in the next financial year.

Allan Bell said it was 'far too early' to give Michael MHK David Cannan the information he was looking for in his House of Keys written question.

Mr Cannan wanted to know much both revenue and capital expenditure would have to be reduced for the departments, the Office of Fair Trading, Manx National Heritage and the like.

In his reply, Mr Bell told Mr Cannan his department had been working on a number of different financial scenarios, but added the Council of Ministers needed to discuss them before deciding the best way forward.

He said it was also prudent to wait for the latest financial projections before completing the 2010/2011 budget, which will be presented to Tynwald in February.

The minister assured Mr Cannan the Treasury would continue to approach the issue in an orderly and professional manner and do as much as it could to protect the less well-off in the Island.