The island’s Chamber of Commerce has received payments totalling almost £200,000 from the Manx government over the last five years.

Figures were revealed in a written reply by Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan to a Tynwald question from Onchan MHK Julie Edge.

She asked what payments have been made to the Chamber of Commerce from each government department, statutory board and office in each of the last five years.

The total comes to £197,536, having peaked at £83,163 in 2013-14 but fallen to £21,558 last year.

Most of the money was paid by the Department of Economic Development.

Mr Cannan explained the DED payments include those to Awareness of Careers in Engineering scheme and a contract for development manager support in relation to the finance sector.

Critics such as the Celtic League have voiced concern at the influence the Chamber has had on government policy, particularly in relation to the relaxation of work permits.