The Chief Minster has refused to comment on rumours of potential sales of strategic companies on the island.
Jason Moorhouse had asked for comment on the much rumoured sale of Manx Telecom and other firms.
Originating as a question about Shoprite’s takeover by Tesco, Mr Moorhouse asked about the recent takeover of the island’s largest road services and treatment contractor and the widely rumoured planned sale of Manx Telecom.
However, Alf Cannan said he was “certainly not going to comment on rumours”.
Pushed by Mr Moorhouse, he added: “I’m sure the Honourable Member has looked thoroughly at the competitions act 2021, the extent of that, how the Office of Fair Trading might assess whether a takeover or a merger is potentially causing ineffective, in effect, a dominant position in the marketplace, or allowing a company to abuse a dominant position.
“Once that legislation is enforced, then, of course, these type of takeovers and mergers may be referred to the Council of Ministers for further consideration, but as it currently stands, Mr. President, I must be clear, I have no concerns about the current position of any of the businesses and takeovers that have been referred to today.”
4 Comments