Insults were traded between former ministerial colleagues over whose fault it was that no building conservation grants have been paid out for years.

Former Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas had Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot lined up in his crosshairs, but Mr Boot returned fire saying that it had been Mr Thomas’s job to develop to drive conservation policy.

Mr Thomas (Douglas Central) raised the issue in the House of Keys, demanding to know what conservation schemes had been made and what plans Mr Boot had to assist in the repair and restoration of buildings.

Mr Boot said the last historic buildings conservation scheme, approved by Tynwald in 2012, had seen its budget reduced and ultimately removed, as part of government savings.

Talks had been held to obtain funding but nothing had arisen. However he hoped that would be considered by the next administration after the general election in September.

He aimed a jibe at Mr Thomas: ’As the member will know, responsibility for this matter lies with the Cabinet Office and is part of the portfolio, which he held while in that office.’

Mr Thomas challenged that claim, saying the relevant legislation did not mention the Cabinet Office.

’There has been no block transfer of policy to Cabinet Office for responsibility for every area of government,’ he said.

He accused Mr Boot’s department and government generally of ignoring the ’will of Tynwald’ over building conservation grants.

The minister countered: ’As the member responsible for planning policy in Cabinet Office for three-and-a-half years, if anyone has let anyone down, maybe it is the member himself, and he should have taken action during that time.’

Mr Thomas said his question was about conservation, not planning policy.