Clash in Keys over plans to drill for gas

Chief minister questioned over surveys and environmental studies

The chief minister and an MHK have clashed in the House of Keys over plans to drill for gas in Manx waters.

Douglas Central's Chris Thomas - who's the former infrastructure minister - asked multiple questions regarding Crogga, the company behind the plans.

He wanted to know about environmental studies, and whether the energy board will authorise the DOI to vary Crogga's licence to allow drilling without a 3D seismic survey - saying to do so is 'widely-regarded as reckless'.

Alfred Cannan, who's chair of that board, responded:

As the questions and answers bounced back and forth, Mr Thomas said: 'The chief minister is in danger of putting company interest above the national interest.'

'We can't keep arguing the toss...this question would never come to an end.' - Speaker of the House of Keys.

You can listen to the full exchange below: