Is the idea of future exploration for hydrocarbons dead in the water?

It's been 10 months since Crogga's licence to extract gas from an area off the Island's coast expired.

And now, a bid in Tynwald for government to invite applications for a fresh hydrocarbons exploration has been squashed by the Island's lawmakers.

In the sitting of parliament this week, Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas called for a report with recommendations for debate and decision to be brought back by July next year.

But he didn't get the backing of the court - as Siobhán Fletcher reports.