Chris Thomas has suggested the government may miss its own deadline to alter the Sea Services Agreement.
The agreement, established after the Steam Packet was bought by taxpayers, sets out how the company will operate.
In Tynwald today, Thomas pressed Infrastructure Minister Dr Michelle Haywood on delays in reviewing the framework.
He warned: “Can the minister confirm that she understands that, given that there has now been no variations of the sea services agreement, the date will be passed in a couple of weeks when the sea services agreement can be varied in its own terms?
“Because to read out strategic reset, 13, one within six months of each review date, the department shall be entitled to issue a contract variation note to the company requiring a variation to the provision set out in various clauses.”
Deadlines
Haywood acknowledged the deadlines and confirmed the director of harbours was chairing the working group.
Only two variations to the agreement have been made since March 2019, both published on the government website.
However, Mr Thomas criticised the pace, noting: “I appreciate the minister confirming that there’s only the first and the second variation as detailed, and also announcing that the working group is still being established, because I think the minister should be reminded that the working group is to report by December.
“That’s quite an ambitious timescale now, and forming that working group is urgent.”
Haywood said her department is “aware about the timeframe that we’re having to work in, and we are trying to work at pace”.
Tim Glover MHK raised concerns over consumer representation, with Dr Haywood agreeing that the Office of Fair Trading could be helpful in doing that.
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