There is plenty of Manx produce on the menu at the Isle of Man Prison – but not everything is sourced locally.
That has been confirmed by Justice Minister Jane Poole-Wilson in response to a written Tynwald question from Glenfaba and Peel MHK Katryna Baptist.
Baptist wanted to know what percentage of meat, dairy, vegetables and other products served up in prison meals was Manx produced.
Poole-Wilson said: “The Isle of Man Prison seeks to source Manx produce wherever it is practical and represents value for money.”
That meant 100% of the milk, cheese and butter used by the prison was locally sourced.
She added: “For meat, 100% of beef and lamb is locally sourced, although the use of lamb is limited due to its cost.
“Approximately 70% of pork is locally sourced, with the remainder being sourced from the UK.”
Chicken was also sourced from the UK, said the minister, “due to insufficient poultry production on-island to meet the prison’s requirements”.
She added: “The prison also produces a wide range of its own seasonal vegetables through its horticultural activities.”
However, the “seasonal nature” of that meant the overall proportion of vegetables this supplied could not be quantified precisely.
“Outside the growing season, some fresh vegetables are purchased through a local supplier and other vegetables are sourced from the UK,” said Poole-Wilson.
Her department was supportive of “sourcing Manx produce where practicable”.
But she warned: “Given the current financial position and the need to manage the department’s budget carefully, any increase in the proportion of Manx produce purchased would need to be achieved within existing resources and demonstrate value for money.”