Public ownership a 'reasonable' proposal

Michael MHK David Cannan says taking the Steam Packet Company into public ownership could be the best way to secure passenger services to the Island.

He has tabled a motion for this month's Tynwald, asking for a committee to look into the matter.

The move comes amid growing concern about jobs and services at the Packet after the company lost some of its freight business to Ramsey-based Mezeron, which has set up a rival container service, between Douglas and Liverpool.

If it's appointed, the committee would evaluate the benefits of the Steam Packet being placed in public ownership, reporting back to Tynwald next March.

Mr Cannan says public ownership is a reasonable proposal as government has ruled out any subsidy: