The Chief Minister says it is a matter for individual departments whether they publish details on any gifts received.
Gifts received by Alf Cannan are itemised and published on the gov.im website.
Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas however asked what gifts other ministers have been given.
Mr Cannan said: “The Policy for the acceptance of gifts, hospitality and travel for ministers and members of departments is set out from 2.30 – 2.39 of the Government Code.
“The matter of publishing registers that have been maintained by government departments is currently a decision for the department.”
The Code
Acceptance of gifts and hospitality and travel
2.30 It is a well-established and recognised rule that no Minister or civil servant should accept gifts, hospitality or services from anyone which would, or might appear to place him or her under an obligation. The same principle applies if gifts, etc., are offered to a spouse, partner or member of their immediate family. At all times the acceptance of gifts should reflect and be in compliance with the Register of Members Interests, as notified to the Registrar of Members Interests.
2.31 This is primarily a matter which must be left to the good sense of Ministers. But any Minister in doubt or difficulty over this should seek the Chief Minister’s guidance. The following rules apply:
(a) Tokens, mementos of official occasions, visits or conferences are not to be regarded as gifts unless they exceed an apparent value of £50;
(b) Receipt of gifts should, in all cases, be reported to the Department’s Chief Officer;
(c) Gifts of small value (i.e. up to £100) may be retained by the recipient;
(d) Gifts of a higher value should be handed over to the Department for disposal, except that:
i) The recipient may purchase the gift at its cash value (abated by £100);
ii) If the recipient wishes to reciprocate with, and pay for, a gift of
equivalent value, the gift received may be retained;
iii) If the Department judges that it would be of interest, the gift may be displayed or used in the Department;
iv) If the disposal of the gift would cause offence or if it might be appropriate for the recipient to use or display the gift on some future occasion as a mark of politeness, then the gift should be retained in the Department for this purpose.
2.32 Gifts given to Ministers in their Ministerial capacity become the property of the Government unless the Minister wishes to keep the gift (if it is below the threshold of £100) or to purchase it.
2.33 Ministers or Members must declare details of any gift with an apparent value greater than £100, in accordance with Financial Regulations issued by the Treasury (See Financial Directive 1).
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