The mystery of the missing Communications Bill has been solved, ahead of the House of Keys sitting today (Tuesday).

Two weeks ago, MHKs were due to consider amendments made to the bill by the Legislative Council,

But, come the sitting, the matter was not moved. The reason given was that there was a mistake in the printing of amendments on the Keys order paper. Assurances were given that it was nothing untoward and the matter would return on the June 25 sitting.

Well, today is June 25, but when the House of Keys agenda was published last week, it was is looking a little forlorn. There was no mention of the Communications Bill.

In the minds of conspiracy theorists, dark thoughts began to formulate that the reason was concerns - either somewhere within the bowels of the Communications Commission or within the nether regions of the House of Keys - at the Legislative Council amendment that would make the chairmanship of the commission a non-political role.

But we don’t go in for conspiracy theories on the parliamentary preview desk. So we got in touch with Communications Commission chairman Bill Malarkey, who is also Home Affairs Minister and therefore (a rather political appointment).

He assured us that there was indeed no conspiracy.

The reason for the non-appearance of the bill is connected to the expected non-appearance of several MHKs, including a couple of ministers, for any vote today.

So, it was decided better to wait for a fuller house before seeing if MHKs were happy with what MLCs have done. Unfortunately, given today is the last sitting of the Keys this parliamentary year, that means a wait until October.

We are assured there are no plans for any arm-twisting between MHKs and MLCs before then.

Anyway, that’s enough about what the Keys is not doing.

In terms of questions, the subjects due to be covered include what has happened to update reports on government’s response to recommendations following serious accusations levelled over its relationship with users of social care services, the licensing of production of medicinal cannabis and what the government does to support Manx athletes.

Written questions cover the latest on the proposed new secondary school in Castletown, a recent freedom of information case in the UK in which the Isle of Man became embroiled, and the promenade redevelopment.

The Sexual Offences and Obscene Publications Bill and the Public Sector Pensions (Amendment) Bill both appear for first readings - no debate is due to take place on either.

There will be discussion of the Property Service Charges (Amendment) Bill. The bill, which is due a second reading, would give the owners of freehold homes who have to pay a service charge the right to refer such a charge to the rent and rating appeal commissioners.

And that’s your lot. Don’t expect this sitting to drag on - the Speaker’s putting his hand in his pocket for the traditional end of term lunch later.

Given there’s no sitting of the Legislative Council today, perhaps the MLCs have their own dining plans.

Our invitation to either must have gone astray.

To read more about the Sexual Offences Bill, see today’s Isle of Man Examiner, which is in the shops now.