Members of Tynwald are being given more time to think of what to say in debates.

New Tynwald practices and procedures will be implemented from next month.

A new Register of Business will be used for all the business of Tynwald Court except the Budget - namely motions for debate, and papers for laying.

By ensuring that these are published further in advance of a sitting, the new procedures will give members more time to prepare for debates - and more time to discuss matters with voters.

The time limits for oral questions are unchanged, with members having to submit these eight days before the sitting at which they are to be asked and answered.

Under a new system, members will be able to submit written questions at any time, with questions and answers being published on the Tynwald website without being linked to any particular sitting.

The new proposals will also allow members to refer an item of secondary legislation to the branches, where they will be able to debate and vote on amendments.

President of Tynwald Lawrence Skelly said: ’I welcome the new procedures which were the result of a long and complex piece of work by the Standing Orders Committee of Tynwald during the last administration.

’The Register of Business offers a real possibility of enhancing the quality of debate in Tynwald, and of increasing engagement between Tynwald and the public.

’When Tynwald resumes in October, I hope that all members will get behind the new system and make the most of it, in the interests of Tynwald and of the public.’