Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey has refused to comment on the sale of Ramsey Courthouse, ahead of Friday’s meeting with the town’s commissioners.

During a testy exchange in the House of Keys on Tuesday, he repeatedly declined to answer questions from Tim Baker (Ayre and Michael).

Mr Baker asked whether, in negotiations with Ramsey Commissioners, the minister would ’reflect the stated commitment within the Programme for Government to take into account social value when evaluating any offers for Ramsey Courthouse’.

The building was put on the market for £475,000, amid outcry that it should remain in public ownership. Ramsey Commissioners have said they would put in a bid of nearly £400,000.

Mr Malarkey confirmed to the Keys he was due to meet the commissioners on Friday. As such, he added: ’I would prefer not to comment any further.’

Mr Baker made a number of additional attempts to elicit a commitment from Mr Malarkey over considering the social value of the building, but each time was met with a refusal to comment.

’It is a straight forward question, I think this House deserves a straight forward answer,’ said a clearly exasperated Mr Baker.

Mr Malarkey replied: ’I think I have given one.’

His department has been under fire over its approach to the sale of the building, which went on the public market at a higher asking price than that given by the government valuer last year - £400,000. The minister has rejected accusations he kept the commissioners in the dark.