Tynwald has given the go ahead for a public inquiry into a land grab by a southern local authority.

But one MHK suggested the best way to settle a boundaries spat between neighbours was to amalgamate them.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer explained that an application has been received from Port Erin Commissioners.

This seeks to adjust the boundary between Port Erin and Rushen so that the whole of the new Ballakilley estate lies within the Port Erin local authority area.

Legislation requires that a public inquiry be held.

A motion unanimously approved by last week’s Tynwald sitting will empower the inquiry chairman to require witnesses to attend to give evidence under oath and produce documents.

Mr Harmer said he understood that Port Erin Commissioners had agreed to pay for the costs associated with the inquiry.

Bill Shimmins (Middle) asked if the inspector could recommend the amalgamation of the two local authorities as the best outcome.

’This would perhaps resolve this spat between neighbours in an equitable manner,’ he said.

Furthermore, he said, Port St Mary Commissioners appears to ’lurch inelegantly from one crisis to another’. ’May they also be included in a southern reorganisation?’ he asked.

Mr Shimmins pointed to the constructive coming together by Laxey , Lonan and Maughold authorities, in ’striking divergence’ with the ’deep south’ authorities.

He said the inspector should consider the application of the ’Garff best practice’ - an idea welcomed by Douglas North MHK Ralph Peake who said: ’If only that was the motion I would have been happy to second it! That sounds like the way forward.’

Mr Harmer replied that the purpose of his motion was not about making a judgement but simply about putting the inquiry on a proper footing.

But he added he was sure the inquiry will chairman will ’think in the wider context’.