Government has no power to influence the number of childcare places available on the Isle of Man.
That's the message from the Department of Health and Social Care which says it's only there to act as a regulator.
In the House of Keys earlier this week North Douglas MHK David Ashford raised concerns after a drop in the number of places which are available for this financial year:
He asked the Minister Kate Beecroft at what point the department would stop regulating and step in to help the marketplace:
Police hunt pub spitter - do you recognise him?
Collection for Myanmar earthquake victims this weekend
Child sex images investigations to get AI help
FOI request shows overcrowding at prison
Hiring advisors will save health money, says minister
Dozens of extra salt bins this year, says minister
No data on minimum wage earners, says minister
Foodbank looking for volunteers
