The papers relating to the purchase of the Steam Packet could be released under Freedom of Information.

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas made the comments while responding to Kate Beecroft’s (Douglas South) latest round of questions into the government’s acquisition of the Steam Packet.

Mr Thomas stated that while he believes that sections of the Freedom of Information Act provide cover for refusing the release of the documents relating to the purchase, he would ’perhaps like to see that tested’.

He said: ’If the honourable questioner [Mrs Beecroft] or anyone else wants to make a Freedom of Information Act request, that is perfectly legitimate and it will be answered.

’Then there is the request for reconsideration and ultimately the information commissioner will be engaged to make a final decision.’

Mr Thomas referred to sections 30, 34 and 35 of the Act, which outline exemptions to freedom of information.

Section 30 refers to economic and commercial interests, 34 to formulation of policy and 35 to the conduct of public business.

He was responding, while standing in for Chief Minister Howard Quayle, to a question from Mrs Beecroft asking Mr Quayle to ’authorise the publication of all papers, minutes and notes’ relating to the Council of Ministers’ considerations of the purchase of the Steam Packet.

Mrs Beecroft also asked on what dates CoMin had considered alternative options to buying the ferry operator.

And she asked whether, following the ’non-debate’ in the Tynwald July 2017 sitting that led to a resolution requiring the Department of Infrastructure to consider all options, what and when did they consider besides purchasing the company.

Mr Thomas said CoMin had considered alternative options on ’May 19 2016, June 16 2016, June 23 2016, November 8 2016, November 10 2016, January 9 2017 and May 11 2017.

He added that the Department of Infrastructure had been working since 2013 on options for strategic sea services, in November 2016 the department brought a paper to CoMin and in January 2017 presented a detailed paper outlining 11 options for sea services delivery.

Mr Thomas also pointed out that Mrs Beecroft was a minister while these meetings were held and the minutes of the meetings show she was present. In response to her request for the publication of documents, Mr Thomas said the Chief Minister recognises the public interest in the release of the documents, but he is unable to do so ’at this time’.

He added: ’To release commercially sensitive information at this stage of the ongoing discussions could inhibit the free and frank exchange of views during the deliberation period.

’And it could prejudice the commercial interest of the Steam Packet.’

He also said that much more work remained to be done in relation to the purchase and the publication of the documents could undermine that work.

The ’at this time’ comment drew a supplementary question from Lawrie Hooper (Ramsey), who queried if there will be a stage when the papers can be released.

Mr Thomas replied it meant that the papers could not be released now, but without indicating any timescale said that may change in the future.

Julie Edge (Onchan) asked Mr Thomas if the list of directors would be published and when new directors would be appointed.

Mr Thomas said the list of directors will be published and the recruitment process for the new company directors will be an open one after the time frame for the interim board has passed.

Mrs Beecroft then turned her attention to Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer, asking what action he plans to take to implement bullet point five of the strategic principles for sea services.

Bullet point five covers: ’Reduced duration of crossings and lower costs of travel, encourage more frequent short stay travel, reduced business costs and faster delivery times.’

Mr Harmer said: ’Subject to Tynwald approval, a new sea services agreement is to be signed between the DoI and the Steam Packet within 12 months.’

He confirmed the DoI was developing an understanding of the social and economic needs of the island and that would help to determine that agreement.

Mrs Beecroft responded by asking how reduced fares could happen when Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan said it was unlikely as the money was needed to pay for new vessels.

Mr Harmer said, for the DoI, nothing had changed and the department would negotiate with the company. He also confirmed to Rob Callister (Onchan) that the new agreement will be debated in Tynwald.

Letters, page 18