Tynwald expecting a long sitting

The last sitting of Tynwald before the summer recess begins today and, as usual at the time of year, members face a hefty order paper.

There are 66 questions, 49 of them for oral answer, and a main agenda containing 56 items.

Among other things there will be debates on the new International Tax Strategy and the collapse of Kaupthing bank.

Transport Minister David Anderson will seek support for his department's Regional Sewage Treatment Strategy and Education Minister Anne Craine will do the same for a new £30 million secondary school, to replace Park Road.

Tynwald will be asked to approve expenditure of £193 million in compensation to Kaupthing depositors and, in a resumed debate, Michael MHK David Cannan will call for a committee to investigate the cause of the bank's collapse.

Members will be asked to support the new tax strategy, and the £3 million refurbishment of what's called the 'airport pavement'.

The question paper also features a wide range of subjects, as Matt Kennaugh reports (text, below, from attached audio file):

Kaupthing Singer and Friedlander will feature in today's sitting.

Douglas North MHK Bill Henderson is asking if a statement will be made on the legal position relating to frozen KSF funds in the UK.

The Legislative Council is also a hot topic. There's a question asking if there are any plans for the council to be directly elected.

Onchan MHK Peter Karran wants to know what measures can be put in place to make sure local authorities in the Island don't get into financial difficulties following the case of Braddan Commissioners.

The Reciprocal Health Agreement will be up for discussion as well. Mr Karran is asking if there are preparations in place ahead of the ending of the agreement with the UK in April 2010.

Other items on the question paper include the use of vehicles on Manx uplands, kerbside collection and dental services.