Evidence will be heard from members of the island’s Meat Plant at a Tynwald policy review committee from tomorrow.

The hearings are being held as part of the Environment and Infrastructure policy review committee’s inquiries into the structures used for processing and marketing meat in the island, with a focus on the governance and assurance framework.

Committee members will be hearing oral evidence on this topic tomorrow at 10.30am (Friday) from official veterinarian at the Meat Plant Dr Valenti Canal, chief veterinary officer Dr Tanya Gunnarsdottir and director of regulation Ian Mansell.

On Monday, May 24 at 2.30pm evidence will be heard from Keith Kerruish, Ballafayle Farm in Maughold.

And on Monday, June 7 at 10.30am chair of Isle of Man Meats Tim Baker MHK and the Meat Plant director Phil Parsons will give evidence.

The Members elected to the Environment and Infrastructure policy review committee by Tynwald are Clare Barber MHK (chair), Chris Robertshaw MHK and Rob Mercer MLC.

The Meat Plant operates at arm’s length from government with the subvention coming from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, its major shareholder.

In a recent House of Keys sitting, Mr Baker was questioned by Daphne Caine MHK for Garff over why the accounts for the abattoir have not been published for the last two years. It was also claimed that the level of government subsidy has doubled during the life of the current administration.

Mr Baker insisted the level of subvention has reduced from £2,135,611 in 2019-20 to £2,030,758 in 2020-21 and £1,000,110 in the current financial year.

The evidence will be taken in public in the Legislative Council Chamber, Legislative Buildings, Bucks Road, Douglas. Members of the public are welcome and it can be heard on the Tynwald website.