Minister Laurence Skelly MHK

Direct Dial No: (01624) 686401 To: Honourable Members Reception (01624) 686400 www.gov.im/dfe Email: [email protected] 4 May 2021

Dear Mr President, Mr Speaker and Honourable Members

Follow Up – 15 April 2021 – Oral Answer 6

At the sitting of Keys on 15th April 2021, following my response to the Honourable Member for , Mrs Barber MHK, on question 3.6 (MNH Sea Terminal pop-up shop – Total losses), Mrs Barber requested:

‘I wonder if the Minister would be so kind as to share, perhaps by an email if needed, if he does not have it to hand, the excerpt from the business case that talks about this as being an advertising project, as opposed to being a sales location extension for the Manx National Heritage outfit?’

I committed to request that Manx National Heritage (MNH) provide this.

MNH, which is responsible for protecting and promoting the ’s natural and cultural heritage and is a registered charity, has informed me that the decision to install the kiosk was considered an operational matter and no formal business case was prepared as it was within agreed budgets and below the threshold for such documents. MNH has advised that the kiosk was originally intended predominantly to provide a service to cruise passengers. As the footfall of these passengers at this location was not as predicted the kiosk use was adapted to best meet the wider needs of visitors to the Sea Terminal, MNH and other parties. The higher volume of retail sales than expected increased costs and the decision was taken to discontinue the service.

MNH will continue to work with the Department of Infrastructure and other bodies on its future use or disposal.

Yours sincerely

[Signature redacted]

Hon. Laurence Skelly MHK Minister for Enterprise

Department for Enterprise • 1st Floor, St George’s Court • Upper Church Street • Douglas • Isle of Man • IM1 1EX