The government is still chasing up unpaid rent from a former tenant of Ramsey shipyard.

Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly told Tynwald that the former lessee, DSC, had vacated the shipyard but the government had yet to recoup what it was owed - more than £50,000.

’Our department terminated the Ramsey shipyard lease following legal action,’ Mr Skelly explained. ’The department commenced proceedings in the High Court to seek possession of the premises, together with judgment and execution for substantial arrears of rent and mesne profits, together with cost.’

The court granted a possession order in March 2016, against DSC, along with ’a judgment and execution to recover outstanding rent and profits owed’, said Mr Skelly.

He added: ’The possession order was not enforced until September 7, 2016. Judgment and execution was also granted against DSC in respect of arrears of rent and profits from August 1, 2013, to February 5, 2016, in the sum of £41,574.

’DSC was also ordered to pay profits from February 5, 2016, at a rate of £1,579 per month until delivery up to the possession.’

DSC obtained an extension on when it had to vacate the premises, until October 7, and eventually left the shipyard in November 2016.

Mr Skelly added: ’The total amount owing by DSC, including rent, rates and interest due now stands at £52,632, together with the department’s reasonable legal costs.

’In relation to the enforcement of the judgment and execution, the department took legal advice as to how to proceed, together with the assistance from the coroner.

’The department has sought to enforce the judgment against the assets of the former lessee. To date, such enforcement has been unsuccessful as the former lessee does not have any assets that the judgment can be enforced against.’

But, said Mr Skelly, the judgment was enforceable for up to six years. ’So, if our officers suspect at any time that the former lessee has acquired assets, the department will seek to enforce the order against those assets.’

Mr Skelly added that the Department of Infrastructure now managed the DfE’s industrial properties and the future for the shipyard was bright.

’I understand that the DoI has a plan to use the premises for its own use and to make the remainder available to a private tenant, which is an existing Ramsey-based business.’