A Tynwald scrutiny committee investigating the Vision Nine deal will hear part of its evidence next week in private.

Ministers and senior government officials, past and present, who were involved in the TT private promoter tender process will present their evidence to the committee on Wednesday.

The first part of the evidence from Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly, DED political member David Cretney, DED chief executive Mark Lewin and his predecessor Chris Corlett, motorsport development manager Paul Phillips and former DED deputy chief executive David Ronan, will be heard in public.

But the remainder will be heard behind closed doors.

Deputy clerk of Tynwald Jonathan King explained: 

‘The reason for taking some oral evidence in private is to hear evidence on commercial and legal matters whose disclosure may not be in the public interest at this time.’

Later, former head of motorsport Trevor Hussey will give his evidence.

This week, the committee heard from Guernsey-based businessman Barrie Baxter who lost out in the bid for the TT promoter contract.

Mr Baxter, who has a background in sports management including involvement with the World Superbike riders and teams, told the committee:

 ‘I instinctively thought this was a done deal. There was the feeling we were just there as a stalking horse. We were just there to validate the process.’

The Economic Policy Review Committee will hear evidence in the Legislative Council chamber on Wednesday May 3 at 2.30pm, and again at 4pm with Mr Hussey.

Adrian Darbyshire