CM sees signs Manx population growing

Higher NI receipts suggest growth

The chief minister says there are encouraging signs the Island's working population is growing.

Howard Quayle says Treasury has recently seen a rise in National Insurance receipts - suggesting local businesses are expanding.

Mr Quayle commented amid debate over whether the census results - due out next March - will reveal resident numbers are growing.

The Chamber of Commerce believes 15,000 extra workers will be needed to ensure economic growth over the next 15 years.

Fostering population growth is also firmly on the government's agenda.

Mr Quayle says a rising head count will help generate income to fund vital public services: