A claim that the House of Keys became a laughing stock when it struggled to fill vacancies on the Legislative Council earlier this year has been disputed in the chamber.

Douglas members Brenda Cannell and Bill Henderson disagreed with the judgement by Phil Gawne whose Constitution Amendment Bill reached its third reading stage yesterday (Tues).

Michael MHK David Cannan's move to retain the present Legco voting system where members may vote for 1, 2, 3 or 4 candidates was supported by a substantial majority.

Describing Mr Cannan's contribution as an "elaborately constructed smokescreen", Mr Gawne claimed his bill didn't force MHKs to vote for all four vacancies because they had the option to vote for none or nominate other candidates.

But Mr Gawne's view cut no ice, with Mr Cannan's amendment winning support of 17 members, with seven voting against.