Fifteen new bills - but no FOI

Chief Minister Allan Bell says a total of 15 new laws will be introduced during this legislative year.

He was responding to a question for written answer from Onchan MHK Zac Hall in Tynwald this week.

Mr Bell said the issues marked as high priority include employment, flood risk, criminal law, bribery, the civil service, dormant bank accounts, fire and rescue, income tax, treasure trove and terrorism financing.

However, there’ll be disappointment for freedom of information campaigners – that bill's unlikely to be introduced this year as Mr Bell says there are still policy issues to be worked through.