Use of Donald Collister Bequest

Summary

The request sought details on the consultation steps Manx National Heritage took regarding the Donald Collister Bequest following a 2012 High Bailiff ruling. The authority disclosed that a 10-week consultation occurred in 2012 involving online access, direct invitations to 85 entities, and media coverage, resulting in 112 responses.

Key Facts

• The consultation process ran from 19 April 2012 to 29 June 2012.
• 85 individuals and organisations were directly contacted in writing by the Director of MNH.
• Consultation materials were available online via the Chief Secretary's Consultation website.
• Media engagement included press releases, radio interviews, and newspaper articles.
• A total of 112 responses were received from various groups including Commissioners, MHK/MLC, individuals, and organisations.

Data Disclosed

• 13 January 2012
• 19 April 2012
• 29 June 2012
• 10 week period
• 85 individuals and organisations
• 112 responses
• 9 local Commissioners
• 5 MHK/MLC
• 58 Individuals
• 40 Organisations/Societies/Trusts
• 769665

Original Request

In a judgement of 13 January 2012 the High Bailiff ruled that the entire Estate should pass to MNH (in the then guise of its predecessors) and in his ruling stated that MNH had said it would "confer widely as to the manner in which the Gift ... should be utilized in order to attempt as far as possible to respect the Testator's wishes expressed generally in his Will..". Exactly what steps did MNH take to "confer widely" and with whom ? (NB I understand you will not be able to name names but generic descriptions, such as "close relatives, friends, Arbory Commissioners etc" wil be acceptable.)

Data Tables (1)

Data Tables (reformatted)

Full Response Text

Manx National Heritage, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 3LY

Telephone: +44 (0) 1624 648000 Fax: +44 (0) 1624 648001 Email: enquiries@mnh.gov.im

Our ref: 769665 11 April 2019

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 18 March 2019 and which states:

"In a judgement of 13 January 2012 the High Bailiff ruled that the entire Estate should pass to MNH (in the then guise of its predecessors) and in his ruling stated that MNH had said it would "confer widely as to the manner in which the Gift ... should be utilized in order to attempt as far as possible to respect the Testator's wishes expressed generally in his Will..". Exactly what steps did MNH take to "confer widely" and with whom ? (NB I understand you will not be able to name names but generic descriptions, such as "close relatives, friends, Arbory Commissioners etc" wil be acceptable.)"

Our response to your request is as follows: I can confirm that the consultation process commenced on 19 April 2012 and closed on 29 June 2012, covering a 10 week period. Access to the consultation paperwork which included a specific response form for respondents to complete, was available online at Chief Secretary’s Consultation website (with links from MNH website). A further 85 individuals and organisations were contacted in writing from the Director of MNH and invited to participate. There were also numerous media press releases, radio interviews and newspaper articles during April 2012. There were 112 responses listed below by generic description. • 9 local Commissioners • 5 MHK/MLC • 58 Individuals including Family and Friends • 40 Organisations/Societies/Trusts Please quote the reference number 769665 in any future communications.

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I will now close your request as of this date.

Yours sincerely