Treasury Minister Alex Allinson says he doesn't know how many people who've lived here less than five years have been given social security payments.
He says he'd have to scour tens of thousands of files to find out how many people had been given money.
Dr Allinson faced a question for written answer from Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse.
But he says the question is so broad it would take huge amounts of civil service time to answer.
13 arrested in drink-drive campaign
Police are reminding people not to drink or do drugs before getting behind the wheel this Christmas.
Laxey road shut until January
A road in Laxey has closed for work - and will reopen at the end of next month.
Former Motor Museum goes on the market
If you ever wanted to own your own motor museum on the TT course, now's your chance!
No Onchan Park plan, say commissioners
There'll be no new overall plan for Onchan Pleasure Park - but individual improvements will go ahead.
Laxey campsite to get campervan improvements
Garff Commissioners are considering expanding campervan facilities at Laxey campsite.
Local authority: don't suffer in silence at Xmas
Commissioners in the south of the Island say you needn't suffer in silence if you're struggling financially this Christmas.
Government reminder over salt bins
Have you passed the salt without noticing?
Weather warning in place for high tides
A yellow weather warning remains in place until the early hours of tomorrow morning.
