The environment minister is publicly criticising what he sees as a fad for drinking bottled water.

John Shimmin says with such good quality water coming out of taps in the Isle of Man, buying the imported bottled product is madness.

Mr Shimmin's comments came in Tynwald as he put forward regulations which could allow for water to bottled at source in the Island.

The move was welcomed by members and it was suggested it could mean a big saving to the environment, if large numbers of plastic bottles were no longer brought over to satisfy the demand.

Alex Downie MLC said it could be a day for environmentalists to "shout from the roof tops".