Population can be controlled, minister tells Scrutiny panel

Senator Alan Maclean told a Corporate Services Scrutiny panel that if it was managed carefully enough, the rising figure could be brought under control.

Panel member Grouville Contestable Dan Murphy asked if it was possible to balance economic growth with population control.

Senator Maclean told the panel that it was impossible to grow the economy without increasing the population and said that bringing in ‘high value/low footprint’ businesses was key to success in both areas.

‘The prospect of no inward migration would have a devastating effect on the Island’s economy,’ he said.