Tynwald members have been told that the Council of Ministers is looking into the possibility of merging the Isle of Man Water Authority with the MEA.

But the move has come as a complete surprise to the chairmen of both organisations!

The news emerged during Question Time in Tynwald this morning, as MEA Chairman Howard Quayle answered a question about the authority's finances.

He was asked by Michael member Alf Cannan about a letter suggesting the merger, which was delivered to all members this morning.

Mr Cannan said it was ' somewhat surprising' that neither party had received any prior consultation.

He said his immediate concern was that what he called 'a relatively healthy business' - the water authority - will be used as leverage for an 'unhealthy business', creating more problems than it solves.