Disease-free status could bring business boom

Middle MHK Howard Quayle says keeping the Isle of Man free from diseases affecting the UK could be used to our economic advantage.

In Tynwald next week, he’s due to ask Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Phil Gawne what checks are done at the Island’s ports for imports which could have sudden oak death, ash die back, Dutch elm disease or Varroa.

Mr Quayle says so far the Island has escaped recent outbreaks in the UK and it’s vital to make sure the infections aren’t brought over here.

And he says staying infection-free could mean a boost to Manx businesses.