A Douglas MHK has made clear his discontent with the answers provided to his questions on the harbours strategy.

Chris Robertshaw, a member of the environment and infrastructure policy review committee, grilled Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly MHK and executive officer Mark Lewin on the department’s backing of the £80m investment in Douglas harbour.

As part of the plans, the Department of Infrastructure is looking to create a deep water berth on the outside of the Victoria Pier, in an attempt to grow the island’s cruise liner industry.

Mr Robertshaw asked whether technical surveys, which are yet to be done, could alter plans and leave Tynwald needing to make a decision to change the proposal.

He also asked if it was fair to say that money could be saved by investing in maintenance of Douglas harbour and building a deep water berth elsewhere.

Mr Lewin said: ’It is not our department’s job to understand harbour engineering. But there are still significant issues in the harbour that need to be dealt with.’

He told the committee that the DoI would need to be questioned on matters related to engineering.

Mr Robertshaw added: ’You’re content with the way the harbour strategy is structured, despite the fact that when we’re making very relevant questions to you today, you’re actually deferring to another department.

’Are you comfortable with that? You should know these things before you were in a position to support the strategy.’

However, Mr Robertshaw’s suggestion that other ports could be used is not one which Tim Davies, director of marine engineers Royal HaskoningDHV agrees with.

Committee chairman Marlene Hendy MLC asked Mr Davies if a more strategic view of the opportunities would be beneficial. Mr Davies said: ’I think it’s very important to take a step back and look at other opportunities in other parts of the island.

’However, my experience also tells me that environmentally it can be very difficult to develop certain areas, coves and waterways which currently are not used as an active port into a full commercial port.’