Chief Minister Howard Quayle has defended the £169,000 cost of the Manx government retaining an office in Brussels.

Replying to a House of Keys question from Julie Edge (LibVan, Onchan), Mr Quayle revealed the operating cost of the Brussels office for 2015-2016 was £169,119, against a budget of £188,000.

For 2016-2017 the budget allocated is £189,000. To date the operating costs are £158,720, he confirmed.

Mr Quayle said: ’Engagement with Brussels and the UK is more important than ever. Brexit remains very high on our radar.

’Matters relating to EU tax and transparency, regulatory issues, and future arrangements regarding Third World countries are also important.

’These were the principal reasons for the establishment of the Brussels office .’