States Meeting Transcript - 03/07/2007

STATES OF JERSEY OFFICIAL REPORT TUESDAY, 3rd JULY 2007

QUESTIONS ......................................................................................7

1. Written Questions........................................................................7

1. THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SPORT AND CULTURE BY SENATOR

B.E. SHENTON REGARDING 'J' CATEGORY EMPLOYEES:........................7

2. THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT BY SENATOR B.E. SHENTON REGARDING EVOLUTION OF THE WATERFRONT: .................13
3. THE MINISTER FOR TREASURY AND RESOURCES BY THE

CONNÉTABLE OF GROUVILLE REGARDING PROCESSES IN PLACE CONCERNING THE SALE OF STATES' PROPERTY:..............................14

4. THE MINISTER FOR HOUSING BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST.

HELIER REGARDING THE HOUSING PROPERTY PLAN:........................15

5. THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN REGARDING CODES OF PRACTICE ATTACHED TO THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS (JERSEY) LAW 2005:..................................................19
6. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PRIVILEGES AND PROCEDURES COMMITTEE

BY DEPUTY R.G. LE HÉRISSIER OF ST. SAVIOUR REGARDING THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION LAW:...............................................20

7. THE MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BY DEPUTY R.G. LE HÉRISSIER OF ST. SAVIOUR REGARDING THE OFFICE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES OMBUDSMAN:..........................................................21
8. THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT BY DEPUTY R.G.

LE HÉRISSIER OF ST. SAVIOUR REGARDING HIS PLANNING POWERS. ......22

9. THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS BY DEPUTY R.G. LE HÉRISSIER OF

ST. SAVIOUR REGARDING ENACTMENT OF THE UNLAWFUL PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT (JERSEY) REGULATIONS 2004................................22

10. THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER REGARDING THE LOWERING OF THE ROAD

AT THE WATERFRONT..............................................................23

11. THE CHIEF MINISTER BY DEPUTY SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER

REGARDING MIGRATION AND POPULATION FIGURES........................24

12. THE MINISTER FOR HOUSING BY DEPUTY S. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER

REGARDING THE BREAKDOWN OF THE DEPARTMENT'S

MAINTENANCE BACKLOG.........................................................26

13. THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES BY

DEPUTY S. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER REGARDING ANTICIPATED LOST REVENUE FROM GAS PLACE CAR PARK WHEN IT IS CONVERTED TO A TOWN PARK..........................................................................36

14. THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SPORT AND CULTURE BY DEPUTY

G.C.L. BAUDAINS OF ST. CLEMENT REGARDING THE STUDENT LOAN SCHEME..............................................................................37

15. THE MINISTER FOR TREASURY AND RESOURCES BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER REGARDING A CAP ON MORTGAGE TAX RELIEF................................................................................37
16. THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER REGARDING WIND-TESTS PERFORMED ON

THE CASTLE QUAY DEVELOPMENT. .............................................39

17. THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES BY

DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER REGARDING A MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK PLANNED FOR ANN COURT..........................................40

2. Oral Questions ..........................................................................40

The Bailiff :...................................................................................40

1. Connétable A.S. Crowcroft of St. Helier of the Minister for Transport regarding the transportation of incinerator ash between the incinerator and La Collette:..............40 Deputy G.W.J. de Faye of St. Helier (The Minister for Transport):...........................41

1. The Connétable of St. Helier : ..........................................................41
2. Deputy G.C.L. Baudains of St. Clement:...............................................41
3. Deputy P.V.F. Le Claire of St. Helier:..................................................42
4. Deputy J.A. Martin of St. Helier:.......................................................42
5. Deputy J.A. Martin:....................................................................42
6. The Connétable of St. Helier : ..........................................................42

2. Deputy G.P. Southern of St. Helier of the Minister for Social Security regarding

actions in response to I.L.O. recommendations relating to the Employment

Relations (Jersey) Law 2007:...........................................................43 Senator P.F. Routier (The Minister for Social Security):......................................43

1. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................43
2. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................43
3. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................43

3. Deputy J.A. Martin of the Chief Minister regarding estimate of working population:...44 Senator F.H. Walker (The Chief Minister):...................................................44

1. Deputy P.V.F. Le Claire:...............................................................44
2. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................44
3. Deputy J.A. Martin:....................................................................44
4. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................45

4. Deputy J.A. Martin of the Minister for Housing regarding applicants in rental

sectors awaiting allocation of 3-bedroom accommodation:.............................45 Senator T.J. Le Main (The Minister for Housing):............................................45 2.4.1 Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................45

5. The Connétable of St. Helier of the Minister for Economic Development regarding powers in relation to purchase of C.I. Traders and implications of sale for retail strategy: ................................................................................46 Senator P.F.C. Ozouf (The Minister for Economic Development):............................46

1. The Connétable of St. Helier : ..........................................................46
2. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................47

3. Deputy J.A. Martin:....................................................................47
4. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................47

6. Deputy G.P. Southern of the Chief Minister regarding actions following upholding

by I.L.O. of complaint about Employment Relations (Jersey) Law 2007:...............48 Senator F.H. Walker (The Chief Minister):...................................................48 2.6.1 Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................48

7. Deputy F.J. Hill of St. Martin of H.M. Attorney General regarding legislation

relating to the Magistrate's Court not being subject to human rights audit: .............48 Mr. W.J. Bailhache Q.C. (H.M. Attorney General):..........................................48

1. The Deputy of St. Martin:..............................................................49
2. The Deputy of St. Martin:..............................................................49

8. Senator B.E. Shenton of the Minister for Transport and Technical Services

regarding control over parking and public parking charges on the Waterfront:..........49 Deputy G.W.J. de Faye (The Minister for Transport and Technical Services):................49 2.8.1 Senator B.E. Shenton:..................................................................49

9. The Deputy of St. Martin of the Chairman of the Education and Home Affairs

Scrutiny Panel regarding advice intended to be sought from H.M. Attorney

General: ................................................................................50 Deputy D.W. Mezbourian of St. Lawrence (The Chairman of the Education and Home

Affairs Scrutiny Panel):................................................................50

1. The Deputy of St. Martin:..............................................................50
2. Senator J.L. Perchard:..................................................................51
3. The Deputy of St. Martin:..............................................................51

10. Connétable D.J. Murphy of Grouville of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding valuation of the former Jersey College for Girls site and negotiations for sale:....................................................................................51 Senator T.A. Le Sueur (The Minister for Treasury and Resources):..........................51

1. The Connétable of Grouville : ......................................................52
2. The Connétable of Grouville : ......................................................52

11. Deputy S. Pitman of St. Helier of the Chief Minister regarding the contracting of a

U.K. company to produce Jersey Brand logo:..........................................52 Senator F.H. Walker (The Chief Minister):...................................................52

1. Deputy S. Pitman: .................................................................52
2. Senator B.E. Shenton:..............................................................53
3. Deputy J.A. Martin:................................................................53

12. Deputy S. Pitman of the Minister for Housing regarding criteria for the

identification of States-owned properties for sale:......................................53 Senator T.J. Le Main: (The Minister for Housing):...........................................53

1. Deputy S. Pitman: .................................................................54
2. Deputy J.A. Martin:................................................................54
3. Deputy G.P. Southern :.............................................................55
4. Deputy J.J. Huet of St. Helier:.....................................................55

13. Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier of St. Saviour of the Minister for Transport and

Technical Services regarding process for the modification of route structure of

scheduled bus service:..................................................................55 Deputy G.W.J. de Faye (The Minister for Transport and Technical Services):................55

1. Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier: .........................................................56
2. Deputy J.A. Martin:................................................................56
3. Deputy C.J. Scott Warr en of St. Saviour:..........................................57
4. Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier: .........................................................57

14. Deputy K.C. Lewis of St. Saviour of the Minister for Treasury and Resources

regarding the acquisition of Le Mont de la Ville, South Hill Battery, St. Helier for

development:...........................................................................57 Senator T.A. Le Sueur (The Minister for Treasury and Resources):..........................58

1. Deputy K.C. Lewis :................................................................58 Senator T.A. Le Sueur:.......................................................................58
2. The Connétable of St. Helier : ......................................................58
3. Deputy G.W.J. de Faye:............................................................58

15. Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier of the Minister for Education, Sport and Culture

regarding a fundamental review of Education, Sport and Culture Department

spending:...............................................................................58 Senator M.E. Vibert (The Minister for Education, Sport and Culture):........................58 2.15.1 Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier: .........................................................59

16. Deputy K.C. Lewis of the Minister for Education, Sport and Culture regarding recommissioning of the swimming pool at Fort Regent: ................................59 Senator M.E. Vibert (The Minister for Education, Sport and Culture):........................59

1. Deputy K.C. Lewis :................................................................59
2. Senator J.L. Perchard:..............................................................59
3. Deputy S.C. Ferguson of St. Brelade : ..............................................60
4. The Connétable of St. Helier : ......................................................60

3. Questions to Ministers without Notice - The Minister for Planning and

Environment ............................................................................60

1. The Connétable of St. Helier : ..........................................................60
2. Deputy J.B. Fox of St. Helier:..........................................................61
3. Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier:..............................................................61
4. The Deputy of St. Martin:..............................................................61
5. Senator B.E. Shenton:..................................................................62
6. The Connétable of St. Helier : ..........................................................62
7. Connétable J.L.S. Gallichan of Trinity :.................................................62
8. Deputy A.D. Lewis of St. John:........................................................63
9. Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier:..............................................................63
10. Senator J.L. Perchard:..................................................................63
11. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................63
12. The Deputy of St. John:................................................................64

3.12.1 The Deputy of St. John:............................................................64

13. Deputy I.J. Gorst of St. Clement:.......................................................64

4. Questions to Ministers without Notice - The Minister for Education, Sport and Culture ..................................................................................65

1. Deputy K.C. Lewis :....................................................................65
2. Connétable T.J. du Feu of St. Peter:....................................................65
3. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................65
4. Senator B.E. Shenton:..................................................................66
5. Deputy J.G. Reed of St. Ouen:..........................................................66
6. Deputy S.C. Ferguson: .................................................................66
7. The Deputy of St. John:................................................................67
8. The Deputy of St. John:................................................................67
9. Deputy J.A. Martin:....................................................................67
10. Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier:..............................................................68
11. Deputy D.W. Mezbourian : .............................................................68

4.11.1 Deputy D.W. Mezbourian :.........................................................68

STATEMENTS ON A MATTER OF OFFICIAL RESPONSIBILITY........................69

5. The Chairman of the Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel regarding Draft Price

and Charge Indicators (Jersey) Law 200-..............................................69

5.1 Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................69

1. Senator P.F.C. Ozouf :..................................................................69
2. Senator T.A. Le Sueur:.................................................................69
3. Senator M.E. Vibert : ...................................................................70
4. Senator B.E. Shenton:..................................................................70
5. Senator P.F.C. Ozouf :..................................................................70
6. Senator P.F.C. Ozouf :..................................................................70
7. Deputy P.V.F. Le Claire:...............................................................71
8. Senator T.A. Le Sueur:.................................................................71
9. Senator P.F.C. Ozouf :..................................................................71
10. Connétable M.K. Jackson of St. Brelade:..........................................71
11. The Deputy of St. Ouen:...........................................................72

6. The Chairman of the Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel regarding the

establishment of a Sub-Panel to investigate money laundering ........................72

6.1 Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................72

1. Senator J.L. Perchard:..................................................................72
2. Senator J.L. Perchard:..................................................................73
3. Deputy I.J. Gorst of St. Clement:.......................................................73
4. Senator P.F.C. Ozouf :..................................................................73
5. Deputy P.V.F. Le Claire:...............................................................74
6. Deputy J.A. Hilton of St. Helier : .......................................................74
7. Deputy J.A. Hilton: ....................................................................74
8. Senator F.H. Walker :...................................................................75

7. The Chairman of the Comité des Connétable s regarding the Island-wide rates

figure ....................................................................................76

7.1 Connétable K.P. Vibert of St. Ouen:....................................................76

PUBLIC BUSINESS.............................................................................76

8. Environment Scrutiny Panel: Vote of No Confidence (P.85/2007) ....................76

The Bailiff :...................................................................................76 8.1 Deputy G.C.L. Baudains: ..............................................................76

1. Senator F.E. Cohen:....................................................................82
2. Deputy P.V.F. Le Claire:...............................................................82

LUNCHEON ADJOURNMENT PROPOSED .................................................85 Deputy R.C. Duhamel of St. Saviour:........................................................85 The Bailiff :...................................................................................85

LUNCHEON ADJOURNMENT ................................................................85

PUBLIC BUSINESS (continued).............................................................85 Environment Scrutiny Panel: Vote of No Confidence (P.85/2007) (continued)...........85

3. Deputy C.J. Scott Warr en:..............................................................85
4. Deputy S.C. Ferguson: .................................................................86
5. Deputy J.J. Huet:.......................................................................86 Deputy C.J. Scott Warr en:....................................................................87
6. Deputy R.C. Duhamel: .................................................................87
7. Deputy P.N. Troy ofSt.Brelade:.......................................................95
8. Deputy G.W.J. de Faye:................................................................95 Deputy C.J. Scott Warr en:....................................................................97 Deputy G.W.J. de Faye:......................................................................97

9. Deputy P.V.F. Le Claire:...............................................................99 Deputy G.W.J. de Faye:......................................................................99
10. Deputy J.A. Martin:................................................................99
11. Deputy G.P. Southern :............................................................101
12. The Connétable of Grouville : ....................................................102
13. Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier: ........................................................102
14. Connétable K.A. Le Brun of St. Mary : ...........................................103 Deputy G.W.J. de Faye:.....................................................................105 Deputy C.J. Scott Warr en:..................................................................105 The Connétable of St. Mary:................................................................105
15. Senator B.E. Shenton:............................................................106
16. The Connétable of St. Helier : ....................................................106
17. The Deputy of St. Mary:..........................................................110
18. Senator L. Norman:..............................................................111
19. Deputy R.C. Duhamel: ...........................................................111
20. Deputy G.C.L. Baudains:.........................................................113 The Bailiff :..................................................................................118 Senator M.E. Vibert :........................................................................119 The Bailiff :..................................................................................119

9. Former School Premises, Clearview Street, St. Helier : sale to Scott Gibaut

Homes (P.65/2007) .....................................................................120

Senator T.A. Le Sueur:......................................................................120 9.1 Deputy J.A.N. Le Fondré of St. Lawrence (Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources - rapporteur):..............................................................120

1. Deputy C.J. Scott Warr en:............................................................120
2. Deputy S.C. Ferguson: ................................................................120
3. Deputy G.W.J. de Faye:...............................................................121
4. The Connétable of St. Helier : .........................................................121
5. Senator T.A. Le Sueur:................................................................121
6. Deputy J.A.N. Le Fondré:.............................................................121 The Bailiff :..................................................................................121

ARRANGEMENT OF PUBLIC BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS..................121

10. Senator P.F.C. Ozouf :.................................................................121 Deputy G.W.J. de Faye:.....................................................................121 The Bailiff :..................................................................................122

ADJOURNMENT..............................................................................122

The Roll was called and the Dean led the Assembly in Prayer.

QUESTIONS

1. Written Questions

1. THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SPORT AND CULTURE BY SENATOR B.E. SHENTON REGARDING 'J' CATEGORY EMPLOYEES:

Question

Would the Minister provide a list of all j' category staff within his department listing job title and place of employment?

Answer

Department for Education, Sport & Culture

J Category employees as at 26th June 2007

PLACE OF START DATE JOB TITLE EMPLOYMENT

Bel Royal Primary School d' Auvergne Primary School d' Hautree House School

d' Hautree House School

d' Hautree House School d'Hautree House School Education Support Team Education Support Team Education Support Team Grainville Secondary Grainville Secondary Grainville Secondary Grainville Secondary Grainville Secondary Grainville Secondary Grainville Secondary Grainville Secondary

01/01/2001 Deputy Head Bel Royal

01/01/2004 Teacher

01/01/1999 Head d'Hautre House

01/01/2000 Teacher

05/11/2001 Teacher

21/02/2005 Teacher

06/02/2006 Principal Ed Psychologist & Service Manager 13/11/2006 Education Psychologist - Vulnerable Children 01/01/2007 Assessment for Learning Co-ordinator 01/09/2000 SA1 Teacher of Geography

01/09/2001 2 i/c Science

01/09/2002 Head of Humanities

01/01/2004 Headteacher

01/09/2004 Teacher i/c KS4 Curriculum Enrichment 01/09/2004 Teacher of Food Technology

01/09/2005 Teacher of RE & History

24/04/2006 Head of Maths

Grainville Secondary Grainville Secondary Grainville Secondary Haute Vallee Secondary Haute Vallee Secondary Haute Vallee Secondary Haute Vallee Secondary Haute Vallee Secondary Haute Vallee Secondary Haute Vallee Secondary Haute Vallee Secondary Haute Vallee Secondary Haute Vallee Secondary Haute Vallee Secondary Haute Vallee Secondary Haute Vallee Secondary Haute Vallee Secondary Haute Vallee Secondary Haute Vallee Secondary Haute Vallee Secondary Haute Vallee Secondary Hautlieu Secondary Hautlieu Secondary Hautlieu Secondary Hautlieu Secondary Hautlieu Secondary

Hautlieu Secondary Hautlieu Secondary Hautlieu Secondary

01/01/2007 Teacher of English

01/01/2007 Teacher of English

16/04/2007 Teacher in Charge of History

01/09/1999 Head of Sp Needs & Learning Development 01/09/2000 Behaviour Support Teacher/Science 01/09/2000 Design & Technology, i/c Textiles 01/09/2000 Examinations Officer/Teacher of Maths 01/09/2000 Head of Design Technology

30/04/2001 Headteacher

01/09/2002 2 i/c Maths

01/09/2002 Head of English

01/09/2002 Teacher of English

01/09/2003 Teacher of French

01/09/2004 Careers, Haute Vallee

01/09/2005 Head of ICT & Business Studies 01/09/2005 Head of Maths

01/09/2005 Teacher of Drama

01/01/2006 Teacher of Maths

01/09/2006 Teacher of ICT

01/01/2007 2nd In Charge of English & Media 16/04/2007 SA1 Head of Humanities Department 01/04/1997 Co-ord KS4 Maths

01/09/1998 Head of Careers, Teacher of English 01/09/2000 Director of Art & Design

01/09/2000 Director of Sport

01/09/2000 Teacher i/cPsychology, SENCO 01/09/2000 Teacher in Charge of Biology

01/09/2000 Team Leader Performance Technology 04/06/2001 Academic Head of Yr 13, Teache of Maths

Hautlieu Secondary Hautlieu Secondary Hautlieu Secondary Hautlieu Secondary Hautlieu Secondary Hautlieu Secondary Hautlieu Secondary Hautlieu Secondary Hautlieu Secondary Hautlieu Secondary Hautlieu Secondary Hautlieu Secondary Hautlieu Secondary Highlands

Highlands

Highlands

Highlands

Highlands

Highlands

Instrumental Music Service Instrumental Music Service Instrumental Music Service Jersey College for Girls Jersey College for Girls Jersey College for Girls Jersey College for Girls Jersey College for Girls Jersey College for Girls Jersey College for Girls

01/07/2001 Teacher of ICT & Co-ord of ICT

01/09/2001 Asst Headteacher,

01/09/2002 Academic Head of Yr 11 & Curriculum Co-ord 01/09/2002 Teacher of Media

01/01/2004 Teacher of Law

01/09/2004 Teacher i/c Music

01/09/2004 Teacher of Art & Photography

01/09/2005 Teacher i/c Philosophy & RE

01/09/2005 Teacher of English & Media

01/09/2005 Teacher of ICT

01/09/2005 Teacher of Law, Physics, History & Maths 01/09/2005 Teacher of Music

01/09/2005 Teacher of Spanish & French

01/09/1997 Head of Care & Health Studies

01/11/1997 Principal

20/04/1998 Lecturer Build & L U

01/01/2000 Head of Faculty-Bus & Leisure

01/09/2000 Head of Access Learning HC

01/09/2005 Lecturer in Foundation Studies

01/09/1999 Head Of Strings

01/09/2000 Teacher of Strings

01/09/2006 Head of Instrumental Music

01/09/1997 SA5 Head of Performing Arts

01/09/1998 Teacher of Maths

01/09/1999 Teacher of English

01/09/2000 Asst Headteacher & Learning Development 01/09/2000 Head of Careers & Teacher of Maths 01/09/2000 Head of RE/Collective Worship

01/09/2000 Head of Science, JCG

Jersey College for Girls Jersey College for Girls Jersey College for Girls Jersey College for Girls Jersey College for Girls

Jersey College for Girls Jersey College for Girls Jersey College for Girls Jersey College for Girls Jersey College for Girls Prep Le Rocquier Secondary

Le Rocquier Secondary

Le Rocquier Secondary

Le Rocquier Secondary

Le Rocquier Secondary

Le Rocquier Secondary

Le Rocquier Secondary

Le Rocquier Secondary

Le Rocquier Secondary

Le Rocquier Secondary

Le Rocquier Secondary

Le Rocquier Secondary

Le Rocquier Secondary

Le Rocquier Secondary

Le Rocquier Secondary

Le Rocquier Secondary

Le Rocquier Secondary

Le Rocquier Secondary

Le Rocquier Secondary

01/09/2001 Teacher i/c ICT,

01/09/2001 Teacher i/c Psychology

01/09/2001 Teacher of Science

01/09/2002 Teacher of Science

01/01/2005 Teacher of Design & Technology 06/06/2005 Teacher of PE

01/09/2005 Head of English

24/04/2006 Teacher of Maths

01/09/2006 Principal JCG

01/09/2004 Teacher

01/09/1998 Head of Product Design

01/09/2000 Head of Science

01/09/2000 Teacher of Science, Head of Year 04/09/2000 Head of Modern Foreign Languages 30/04/2001 Head of Maths

30/04/2001 Teacher of Languages & Head of Year 01/09/2001 Curriculum Leader, Eng & Media Studies 01/09/2001 Deputy Le Rocquier

01/09/2001 SA2 Second in Maths

01/09/2001 Teacher of Maths & Head of Year 10/06/2002 Teacher of English

01/09/2002 Teacher of Maths

01/09/2002 Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages 28/06/2003 Head Le Rocquier

01/09/2003 Teacher of Science

01/09/2004 Director of Educational Needs 01/09/2005 SA2 Drama Teacher Subject Leader 01/09/2005 Teacher of Humanities

01/09/2006 Teacher of ICT

Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Les Quennevais Secondary Library

Mont a L'Abbe School Mont a L'Abbe School Mont a L'Abbe School

01/01/1997 Head of Music

01/01/1998 Head of Science

01/01/1998 Snr Manager/Behaviour

01/09/1998 Head of Yr 11, Teacher of English 01/09/1998 Yead of Yr 8, Teacher of English 01/01/1999 Head of English

01/01/1999 Head of Modern Foreign Languages 01/06/1999 Head of PE

01/09/1999 Head of Art

01/05/2000 2 i/c MFL Dept

01/09/2000 2 i/c Science Dept

01/09/2000 Head of Humanities

30/04/2001 Snr Mang, Teaching & Learning & Access 01/09/2001 2 i/c Maths Dept

01/09/2001 Teacher of English

01/09/2001 Teacher of Music

01/01/2002 Head of Drama

01/09/2002 Teacher of Science

01/09/2003 Teacher of French

01/09/2003 Teacher of PE

01/01/2005 SA4 Director Of ICT

01/01/2005 Teacher of Maths

01/09/2005 SA3 Head of Year 10

01/09/2005 Teacher of Maths

01/01/2006 Teacher of Drama

01/07/2003 Chief Librarian

01/09/2001 Head Mont a l'Abbe

01/09/2002 SA5 Teacher

01/09/2003 SA2 Teacher

Mont a L'Abbe School Mont a L'Abbe School Mont a L'Abbe School Mont a L'Abbe School Mont a L'Abbe School Mont a L'Abbe School Mont a L'Abbe School Mont a L'Abbe School Rouge Bouillon Primary Rouge Bouillon Primary Victoria College Victoria College Victoria College Victoria College Victoria College Victoria College Victoria College Victoria College Victoria College Victoria College Victoria College Victoria College Victoria College Victoria College Victoria College Victoria College Victoria College Victoria College Victoria College

29/03/2004 Teacher

01/09/2004 Early Years Co-Ordinator

01/09/2004 ICT Teacher

01/09/2004 Mathematics Co-Ordinator

01/09/2004 Teacher

01/01/2005 Teacher

20/02/2005 Teacher

01/01/2006 Teacher

01/09/2000 Teacher

30/04/2001 Teacher

01/09/1997 Head of Design Technology

01/09/1999 Head of Maths,

01/09/1999 Head of Religious Studies & Head of PSHE 01/09/2000 Gifted & Talented Co-ord & Primary Liaison 01/09/2000 Headmaster

01/09/2000 Housemaster of Bruce

01/09/2001 Head of Physics & Electronics

01/09/2001 SA1 Cultural Co-ordinator

01/09/2001 Teacher of English

01/09/2001 Teacher of Maths

01/09/2001 Teacher of Theatre Studies

11/04/2002 Teacher of Maths

01/09/2002 SA2 Housemaster of Dunlop House 01/09/2002 Teacher of PE

01/09/2003 Head of Media Studies

01/09/2004 Director of English & Media Studies 01/09/2005 Director of Sport

01/09/2005 Teacher of English

01/01/2007 Teacher of Biology

Victoria College Prep Youth

Youth

Youth

01/09/1999 Teacher

03/09/2001 Area Youth Worker Manager-East 01/06/2005 Principal Youth Officer 26/07/2006 Youth Worker Le Squez

2. THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT BY SENATOR B.E. SHENTON REGARDING EVOLUTION OF THE WATERFRONT:

Question

Would the Minister provide the dates that the following developments received planning approval and the names of the President and Vice-President of the Planning and Environment Committee at that time –

1. the Cinema Complex?
2. the Harbour Reach Development?
3. the Waterfront Hotel?

Answer

I am happy to provide the Senator with the information he seeks. Cinema Complex

Planning-in-principle permission -16th September 1997. Detailed permission – 21st June 1999.

For both applications the Committee President was Mr. N.L. Quérée and the Vice-President Mr. A.J. Layzell.

Harbour Reach

Planning-in-principle permission – 12th April 2001.

The Committee President was Mr. N.L. Quérée and the Vice-President Mr. A.J. Layzell. Detailed permission – 15th July 2003.

The Committee President was Mr. M.F. Dubras and the Vice-President Deputy J.A. Hilton. Waterfront Hotel

Planning-in-principle permission – 7th.July 2000.

The Committee President was Mr. N.L. Quérée and the Vice-President Mr. A.J. Layzell. Detailed permission – 3rd March 2005.

The Committee President was Senator P.F.C. Ozouf and the Vice-President Mr. J.L. Dorey.

3. THE MINISTER FOR TREASURYAND RESOURCES BY THE CONNÉTABLE OF GROUVILLE REGARDING PROCESSES IN PLACE CONCERNING THE SALE OF STATES' PROPERTY:

Question

What processes for the sale of States' property has the Minister put in place following the recommendations made (and accepted by him) in the review of the proposed sale of the former Jersey College for Girls site (S.R.10/2007)?

Answer

The Corporate Services Scrutiny Sub-Panel when reviewing the proposed sale of the former Jersey College for Girls endorsed the recommendations of its adviser, which were accepted by me. I set out the nine recommendations below with my comments on each in italics.

Recommendations

1. The States should reviewtheir method of property disposal to establish the correct method appropriate to a specific site.

Property Holdings policy is to decide on the most appropriate method of property disposal on a site specific basis.

2. The States should determine a criteria statement to enable them to consider proposals where a straightforward sale of a property is not possible.

Property Holdings will submit a disposals strategy for approval as part of a Strategic Property Plan to be considered by the States early next year. The strategy will include proposals for managing the disposal of complex and high value properties.

3. Marketing strategies should be considered for any disposal prior to advertising and a decision made as to whether such marketing should be carried out in-house or an external agent/surveyor appointed.  Property Holdings currently applies this policy.
4. Where informal discussions are carried out prior to any formal marketing, the details of such discussions should be documented and the rationale for choosing the parties approached clearly stated.

Property Holdings currently applies this policy.

5. Where a disposalproperty requires a development brief the States should provide its Officers withclarityupon priorities relating to planning, economic viability, uses and social issues which may affect the brief.

When determining the most appropriate use for a property that has been identified for disposal, Property Holdings takes full account of all relevant information to inform the development brief. Development briefs are amended in order to reflect changing prioritise, an example of which is the Belle Vue site identified in the 2007 Plan.

6. In choosing a purchaser or preferred developer or joint venture partner the States' Officers need clearly defined goals and objectives to enable them to consider fairly each offer/proposal.

Property Holdings' overriding objective is to extract optimum benefit from property assets - this is not restricted to financial benefit. The choice of disposal route, through sale or development, will support this objective.

7. Legal advice should be sought at an early stage so that the choice of a preferred developer can be documented so that both parties have security in proceeding with a scheme.

Should Property Holdings enter into this type of agreement in future, legal advice will be taken at an early stage.

8. Where disposals are for whatever reasons complex and/or likely totake a periodoftimeto reach an outcome independent advice should be obtained at appropriate stages in respect of values.

Property Holdings currently applies this policy.

9. Prior tothe choice ofany purchaser/preferred developer, due diligence should be carried out on the parties concerned to establish their financial standing and their ability to deliver their proposals. Whilst it is accepted that this may havetobeduplicatedat a later stage where a scheme such as the one under consideration takes a significant period of time to reach fruition, it is imperative at the outset that the chosen party is the right onefrom the beginning.

Property Holdings will continue to apply this policy, where appropriate, in particular for transactions which are not simple purchases.

4. THE MINISTER FOR HOUSING BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER REGARDING THE HOUSING PROPERTY PLAN:

Question 1

At a recent briefing on the Housing Property Plan, the Minister advised members that there were only some 25 applicants on the States rental waiting list for 3-bedroom houses; will he inform members how many tenants have applied for transfer to three-bedroom accommodation for medical or under-housing reasons?

Will he further state how many applicants have been removed from the transfer list for 3- bedrooms for rent arrears or other problems?

Answer

As at 1st June 2007, there were 16 families on the Transfer list waiting for three bedroom accommodation on medical grounds. 6 of those are considered as having an "immediate need" and 10 are considered as having a "moderate need", these are direct recommendations from the Medical Officer of Health. In addition, there were 50 families waiting for three-bedroom accommodation on the grounds of currently being "over crowded".

These figures need to be taken in context with other Transfer list figures. For example, there are 23 families living in three and four-bedroom homes that require one or two-bedroom properties. There are 89 individuals/couples occupying two bedroom properties who need to move to one bedroom units. The stock is being "blocked" as there are not sufficient one bedroom units to cater for the aging population.

The table below shows the breakdown for Transfer applications made since 1st January 2007, that have since been cancelled, and why-

Number Reason

62 Cancelled  at  time  of  application  as  considered

already adequately housed.

11 Cancelled at time of application as applicant had

unmanaged rent arrears.

5 Cancelled during the period 1 January 2007 to date as applicant has been housed by a Housing Trust.

Question 2

Will the  Minister explain the  basis  for  his  assurance that  the  increase  in permanent  j' category numbers is not responsible for the house-price inflation currently witnessed in the 3+ bedroom  housing  market,  and  why,  therefore,  he  has  recently  called  for  an  emergency ministerial debate on the need to build more housing as a result of the Island's need for increased numbers of j' categories to feed the objective of 2% economic growth?

What predicted figures for future numbers of j' category and other immigration does the Minister currently have on which to base future housing demand?

Answer

As noted in the response to Question 1(d) presented on the 27th March 2007 –

"It has never been stated that j' category purchases have no impact on the housing market, simply that any impact is minimal in light of the fact that 92% of purchases are made by locally qualified individuals. This was clearly stated in a previous response given on the 21st November 2006."

As also stated in the same response –

"it is simply not plausible, in the context of large increases in local employment and real economic growth for the first time in 5 years, to ascribe the increase in house prices to a small number of essential employees".

There is no doubt that house prices are an important area, and this is why Minister's meet to consider the position on a frequent basis, hence the meeting on 21st June. It is important however, to put the issue into perspective.

Over the past four years, rises in house prices (13%, since 2003) have been lower than rises in earnings (18%) and inflation (16%) indicating not only a real increase in general purchasing power of Islanders, as earnings growth has outstripped inflation, but also a relative improvement in the affordability of housing in the Island, as earnings outstrip house price growth.

This house price growth must also be put into context with other jurisdictions. Comparing 2007 with 2006, while house prices rose by 3.5% in Jersey, in Guernsey, house prices increased by 5%, and in the United Kingdom by 11%. As such, Jersey has performed well, seeing moderate rises and maintaining overall levels of affordability.

As to the specific issue of three-bedroom houses, while price rises in Quarter 1 2007 were 5.5%, two-bedroom house prices rose by 9% for the same period. On the whole, j employees do not predominate in the two-bedroom sector, and as such, it is telling that inflation has been lower in the property types that j employees seek, not higher.

What the above adds up to is moderate house price growth driven by a favourable economic climate – high employment, rising earnings, moderate inflation, relatively low borrowing costs - not by a small number of j purchasers. This is not to say the affordability of homes is not a serious issue, just that the empirical evidence does not link (j)'s' as a prime or significant cause.

These issues are part of a wider policy agenda being promoted by the Council of Ministers for the future – with shared equity, sheltered housing, the States Property Plan, the Island Plan, the Population Review, the skills strategy and the Economic Growth Plan - all combining to create a sustainable and positive vision for the future. The Migration Advisory Group, which was set up for these very purposes, continues to monitor the situation very closely, balancing economic growth with demand on housing and other resources. The next key data for analysing is the 30th June 2007 Manpower Survey, which will provide sufficient data to predict numbers for this year. The meeting called on the 21st June 2007 was a part of this ongoing monitoring and governance process.

Question 3

Does the Minister not agree that there has nonetheless been a substantial rise in the number of j' categories being granted in the last 2 quarters of the last year, and furthermore, does he accept, as the Statistics Department does, that in the finance sector, whereas he quotes the overall figure of 84 per cent locally qualified, in the finance sector in the third quarter of 2006, the numbers were such that 75 per cent of new employees were locally qualified and 25 per cent, a rise in the proportion, came from j' categories and non-locally qualified in the finance sector, which was responsible for the largest proportion of expansion of jobs?

Answer

The number of j' categories being granted for the private sector has indeed increased, not only in the last six months of 2006 but throughout the last two years with a view to stimulating the Island's economy and particularly to growing high value added sectors. At the same time, the number of local people in work has increased significantly, while the number of lower skilled non-local employees has remained static, declining as a proportion of the workforce.

All of the figures mentioned in this Question are either directly quoted in, or may be derived from, the publicly available report on the Labour Market at December 2006, published by the Statistics Unit earlier this year (verbatim quotes from the report are shown in italics) -

• "overall, about 84% of people employed in Jersey in December 2006 were locally qualified (as defined under the Regulation of Undertakings and Development Law)";
• locally qualified employees accounted for 86% of all employees in the Finance sector in December 2006, a higher proportion than the average across all other sectors;
• "the Finance sector accounted for more than half of the total increase in private sector employment, up by 810 on a year previously; locally qualified staff accounted for more than three-quarters of this increase".
• j-category staff accounted for 16% of the increase in Finance sector employment in the twelve months to December 2006;
• over the twelve-month periods to December 2005 and June 2006, j-category staff accounted for 58% and 31%, respectively, of the total increases in employment recorded by the Finance sector.

Therefore, whilst the number of j-category employees in the Finance sector has been increasing, the proportion that they represent of the increases in employment seen by the sector has in fact reduced most recently.

Question 4

Will the Minister inform members what proportion of the 200 j' category staff arriving in 2006 –

1. were granted a permanent contract? and
2. were in the finance and related sectors?

and will he confirm that these permanent j' category staff –

3. are able to purchase a house in their own name from day one of their

employment? And

4. will after five years' residence become "entitled" under the new migration policy and be no longer registered as "licensed" for housing or employment purposes?

Answer

1. 40% of j category applications in 2006 were granted without a time limit, equating to 80 employees. A time limit on a j would usually follow on from the fact that it was a fixed term contract, and visa versa.
2. As recorded in the published Jersey Labour Market December 2006, "the number of (j)' category employees in the private sector increased by 160, more than80%of which were in financial services"
3. A j' category employee is able to purchase a property through a company
4. As detailed in the approved Migration Policy, P25/2005, it is proposed that entitlement' is gained after ten years.

5. THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN REGARDING CODES OF PRACTICE ATTACHED TO THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS (JERSEY) LAW 2005:

Question 1

Will the Minister inform members the reasons for the delay in preparing the necessary Codes of Practice under the Employment Relations (Jersey) Law 2007 (adopted by the States on 17th May 2005 and subsequently amended, but not yet in force), given that much of the Law cannot be put into practice without them, and state when members should expect to see the Codes?

Answer

Draft Codes of Practice were prepared and presented to States Members along with the draft Employment Relations (Jersey) Law 200-.The Law was not registered by the Royal Court until January of this year.

A revised draft of the Codes of Practice will shortly be published and I will invite representations from the public and interested parties before approving the Codes of Practice. Members will see the resulting codes later this year when I present them by Order, prior to proposing an Appointed Day for the Law.

Question 2

Will the Minister inform members of the reasons for requiring further time for the presentation of income support plans to the Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel and to the Assembly following his presentation to the Council of Ministers on 8th June 2007?

Answer

I am not aware that the Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel was expecting to be presented with the Income Support plans, however I have been working closely with the Income Support Scrutiny Sub-Panel for more than 18 months.

I have not delayed the lodging date for the Income Support Regulations further to briefing the Council of Ministers on 8th June 2007. The intention remains to lodge in the week commencing 9th July 2007.

6. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PRIVILEGES AND PROCEDURES COMMITTEE BY DEPUTY R.G.LE HÉRISSIER OF ST. SAVIOUR REGARDING THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION LAW:

Question

Would the Chairman outline why the Corporate Scrutiny Panel was seen as the body which was qualified to assess the manpower implications of the proposed Freedom of Information Law? What other alternatives were or are being explored to expedite the process?

Answer

As the Deputy will be aware, considerable work had already been undertaken by the Privileges and Procedures Committee under his presidency to establish the costs of implementing a Freedom of Information Law. P.72/2005 Freedom of Information: proposed legislation' sets out at sections 19 and 20 the human resource and financial implications that the Committee considered would accrue. In addition, it was not that Committee's intention to introduce publication schemes at the outset, so mitigating further any anticipated costs, and the current Committee maintains this position.

The draft Freedom of Information Law was sent out to consultation in the spring of 2006, and responses were received from many quarters, including the Council of Ministers, the Corporate Management Board and States' departments. On 26th July last year, the Privileges and Procedures Committee noted the recommendation of the Council of Ministers that, as there was uncertainty about the resource implications of introducing a new Law, an independent person should be invited to carry out an audit of the costs involved. The Council of Ministers believed that this proposal offered a sensible way forward and would help to give the States a better understanding of the resource implications. The Council of Ministers asked that the audit would assess the anticipated costs of responding to requests for information, implementing records management systems up to the required standard, and introducing different lead-in times for various provisions of the Law.

The Committee considered a suggestion that an approach be made to the Information Commissioner in the United Kingdom (Mr. Richard Thomas) either to request that his office review the draft Law, or a person nominated by him be approached. The Committee also considered whether it would be more appropriate in the Jersey context to seek assistance from the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel, which had been established to consider the topics of corporate services, corporate policies and external relations. That Panel's terms of reference include the obligation "to scrutinize draft Laws and draft subordinate enactments which are to be made by the States and consider possible amendments to them, if appropriate". (Standing Orders 131(1)(a) and 132(c) refer).

The Committee considered that the Panel had the necessary local knowledge and was the appropriate body, and therefore decided to ask the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel if it was prepared to review the draft Law, and in particular to assess the financial implications of introducing the Law, over and above the costs already expended on access to information in accordance with the Code of Practice on Public Access to Official Information. The Committee is mindful that there are costs associated with the proper implementation of the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2005 and the Public Records (Jersey) Law 2002, which legislation is already on the statute book. It would, of course, be inequitable for the costs of implementing records management systems to meet the requirements of those Laws to be attributed to the proposed Freedom of Information Law.

The Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel has agreed to carry out the above review. In the light of the undertaking of the Panel to review the matter early in 2008, no alternatives are being explored at this time.

7. THE MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BY DEPUTY R.G. LE HÉRISSIER OF ST. SAVIOUR REGARDING THE OFFICE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES OMBUDSMAN:

Question

Would the Minister advise when he will be presenting a consultation paper (Green Paper') outlining the various options in respect of establishing an office of Financial Services Ombudsman, has he considered how such an Ombudsman would be funded and if so, would a levy on the industry be an option?

Answer

As the Deputy is aware this is a subject of much recent debate including his own question and my answer only a fortnight ago.

The Chairman of the Consumer Council also, last week, wrote to me on the subject.

It might be helpful to restate some of the background to this:

• Since it was first raised by the Edwards report in 1998, a Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme has been considered in 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005 and again when the last report was presented on June 6th last year.
• On each and every occasion this matter has been looked at, the conclusion has been the same:

Whilst everyone accepts having an Ombudsman would be attractive it is uneconomic to set one up in the form typically found in large developed economies. This was the conclusion of my 2006 report.

So where do we go from here?

It is important that Members understand the economics of a levy on industry. I urge Members to revisit the 2006 report (R.51/2006 refers). As I have already mentioned, whilst everyone agrees that having an Ombudsman would on the face of it be attractive, we have to weigh carefully the costs and benefits for the consumer, the finance industry and the Island. In a small economy an industry levy, especially one that is weighted by complaint levels has the possibility of placing a disproportionate burden on operators critical to the local market.

We need to be clear that once an Ombudsman is created it might be very difficult to contain the running costs if complaints were to soar.

In the light of the Deputy 's question and having taken soundings with Members, I propose that we set up a roundtable steering group to commission an independent review of this matter, ruling nothing in and ruling nothing out, and seeing the process through to conclusion. I am happy to agree the constitution of this committee with other stakeholders and would aim to have it established along with terms of reference agreed and ready to start work in January 2008.

If we are to look again at this matter we need to allocate the necessary resources to ensure we do it properly and I will be including the required resources in my budget for 2008.

8. THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT BY DEPUTY R.G. LE HÉRISSIER OF ST. SAVIOUR REGARDING HIS PLANNING POWERS.

Question

Does the Minister consider it desirable that power to grant planning permission be vested in one person, that is, the Minister for Planning and Environment? If not, what does he propose to do about it?

Answer

In my answer to Deputy Le Hérissier's question on the same subject tabled at the last States sitting I outlined some of the checks and balances on my powers. The implementation of Third Party Appeals significantly alters the situation as my decisions can now be appealed both by applicants and relevant objectors.

I regard the present situation with respect to my powers as satisfactory. However if the Privileges and Procedures Committee suggests changes in the way my powers are exercised then that is a matter for its members and for the States as a whole.

In principle vesting planning powers in the Minister is no different from the powers vested in other Ministers. It is for the States to decide if the Minister for Planning and Environment's position warrants special arrangements that are not applicable to other Ministers.

It is relevant to note, as stated in my previous answer, that I am moving towards holding all Ministerial decision meetings in public, when I make application decisions or other decisions relating to individual properties (such as listing). This will include provision for hearing oral representations from those wishing to make them. I intend that these provisions should be in place for my next decision-taking meeting in July.

9. THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS BY DEPUTY R.G. LE HÉRISSIER OF ST. SAVIOUR REGARDING ENACTMENT OF THE UNLAWFUL PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT (JERSEY) REGULATIONS 2004.

Question

Is the Minister satisfied that the enactment of the Unlawful Public Entertainment Regulations (Jersey) 2004, is a legally valid exercise of the powers under the Order in Council of 1771?

Answer

Yes.

10. THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER REGARDING THE LOWERING OF THE ROAD AT THE WATERFRONT.

Question

In the light of the assurances given by the Minister on 19th June to reveal all the necessary details in relation to the financial package' pertaining to the lowering of the road at the Waterfront, will he inform members what overall profit levels are anticipated as likely to accrue to the developer and subsequent owners/leaseholders?

Further, will the Minister inform members what consideration, if any, has been given by him and the Treasury and Resources Minister to the return to government in taxation that will result from the Waterfront development under the zero/ten tax initiative, and if none, will he now do so and report back to members before he returns to the States with the Hopkins Plan'?

When can members expect to receive the promised paper detailing the extraordinary economic benefits' to be derived from the capital investment in, and running costs of small museums/galleries elsewhere, and how such benefits can be transposed to the proposed national gallery on the waterfront? Can the Minister indicate to members on which ministerial budget he expects such running costs to be included: Education, Sport and Culture or Economic Development (Tourism)?

Answer

I can confirm that the necessary details of the financial package will be made available when the Waterfront proposals are brought to the States for debate. This will include disclosure of the financial return from the scheme to the Waterfront Enterprise Board Limited (WEB). However, the profitability levels to the preferred developer are subject to confidentiality clauses and cannot be disclosed. I regret that I am not in a position to release further information on the financial package at this time, as WEB remain in negotiation with the preferred developer and the commercially sensitive nature of this process must be respected. All I can say is that I will only bring forward to the States proposals that deliver a very significant return to the public through WEB.

All property developments profits arising from Jersey land and property, including those on the Waterfront, will continue to be taxed at 20% under Schedule A of the Income Tax (Jersey) Law and the Comptroller of Income Tax will be assessing all such profits on the relevant developer, whether Jersey resident or non-Jersey resident, corporate or non corporate, when the profits arise. Property development profits arising in Jersey are specifically excluded from the 0 / 10 corporate tax proposals.

Officers in the Economic Development Department are working, in consultation with my officers, to deliver a paper evaluating the evidence regarding the potential economic benefits of small art galleries. This will draw on existing studies of galleries elsewhere to appraise the potential for the realisation of such benefits in association with the proposed National Gallery on the Waterfront. The timetable for production of this paper is still being finalised, but I anticipate that it will be available in early September 2007.

I cannot at this stage confirm how the proposed National Gallery's running costs will be funded. This project is at an early stage and a variety of funding options both for the construction and running costs will be evaluated.

11. THE CHIEF MINISTER BY DEPUTY SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER REGARDING MIGRATION AND POPULATION FIGURES.

Question 1

Further to the answers given in response to Deputy J.A. Martin on 19th June 2007 on the 2006 migration and population figures, will the Chief Minister inform members –

1. how many of the 200 heads of households were granted time-unlimited j'

category licences?

2. how many of the 340 dependants were –

1. children?
2. eligible/likely to take up employment?

Answer

1. 40% of j' category applications in 2006 were granted without a time limit, equating to80 employees.
2. The number of dependents associated with inward migrant j' category employees is not collected directly but is estimated from the age-gender distributions compiled by the last Census, with any potential recent change being monitored by the results oftheannual Social Survey. Statistics on both pre-school and school-age children provide an additional complementary cross-analysis to this estimate.

From these complementary approaches it is estimated that there were approximately 340 dependents of inward migrant j-category employees in 2006, and that these broke down into children and working-aged adults as:

1. approximately 170 children aged 15 years or under
2. approximately 170 adults of working age (defined as men aged 16-64 years and women aged 16-59 years).

Question 2

Given the Chief Minister's expressed policy to maintain economic growth at 2% per year whilst containing job growth to 1% (500 jobs) –

1. can the Chief Minister explain to members why job growth in 2006 amounted to 1,540, or 3%? (source: Statistics Unit - Jersey Labour Market December 2006)?
2. what measures, if any, areenvisagedto contain job growth to within the targetof 1% for coming years, and if not does he expect similar figures for 2007? Will these include measuresto increase productivity, and if so,whatspecific measures will he or his Ministers employ to bring this about?

3. what proportion ofthe increase in total employment in the private sector in 2006 is attributable to the employment of j' category and non-qualified staff?
4. what measures does the Chief Minister propose to limit the accelerating rateof private sector j' category job growth, led by the finance sector, illustrated by the 80% increase over 5 years in Figure 8 ofthe Jersey Labour Market December 2006 above?

Answer

1. Employment growth in 2006, based on the December figures, amounted to 1,540 because of the strong performance of the Jersey economy, favourable international economic environment, and the approach of the Council of Ministers to promoting and facilitating economic growth in accordance withtheapprovedEconomic Growth Plan, and the Strategic Plan, 2006 - 2011. This growth was driven by 1,140 local people gaining employment and entering the workforce - accounting for 81% oftheprivate sector employment growth. This is a welcome development, and not something that should be capped in any single year, but rather, something that should be managed within the 1% per annum target over the life ofthe economic cycle and the life of the Strategic Plan.

The Strategic Plan was agreed in 2004 and was set against the position in 2003. In this context, average growth in the total workforce over the 3-year period, 2003 - 2006, has been 0.44% per year, which is significantly below the 1% target. Such an average measure reflects the accepted economic reality that economic growth is not spread evenly in each and every year, but has a significant cyclical element which must be managed.

2. The Regulation of Undertakings and Development Law and the Housing Law continue to be applied to manage economic growth, and in particular to manage migration. The strictness with which these controls are applied is reflected in the figures, with non-local employees making up 13% ofthe workforce, j employees making up just 3% ofthe workforce, and local employees making up the vast majority, 84%. In terms ofgrowth in employment in 2006, local people were the beneficiaries, with 81% of job growth coming from local people. These controls will continue to be applied to achieve average employment growth of no more than 1% over the life ofthe Strategic Plan, until such time as in the near future new migration controls are introduced.

In 2007, the economy is expected to continue to grow at a healthy rate and there will be further growth in job numbers. Any firm estimate, however, must await the publication of the 30th June 2007 manpower results.

It is a clear objective of the Economic Development Department to deliver economic growth through increased productivity, with a maximum average annual growth in the working population of 1%. This is why, amongst other things, the Council of Ministers has placed a high priority on the development of a Skills Executive which, for the first time, will bring together all aspects of the skills agenda under one organisation. Over the coming months this new body which will be charged with developing a series of measures to maximise the skills of local people to meet the needs of the local economy in the most effective way.

3. As recorded in the published Jersey Labour Market December 2006, 11% of employment growth came from j category essential employees, 8% from non-locally qualified persons, and the vast majority, 81% from locally qualified people.
4. j' employees account for just 3%of the total labour force, andwhilethis may be a 1% increase on 2002, when (j)'s accounted for 2% of the labour force, it remains a small proportion ofthe total. It has also taken place at the expenseof lower skilled non-local employees who now account for 13% ofthe workforce, comparedto 14% in 2002. Local people continue to account for 84% of the workforce.

These changes reflect improvements in productivity, in finance in particular but other industries also, as general economy activity becomes increasingly skilled, diverse, and of higher value. This is a positive development for the local labour force, who benefit from the skills transferred from this small j category labour force, enabling the Island to better compete in the international market place, as it must. Furthermore, as these skills are transferred to the local labour force, the less will be the need for j category employees in the future - while still securing the skills base the Island must have.

These structural changes – the displacement of lower skilled with higher skilled activities - have taken place within the strict controls applied under the Regulation of Undertakings Law and Housing Law within the context of balancing economic growth against the demand of resources, in particular, housing. These controls will continue to be applied to achieve this balance.

12. THE MINISTER FOR HOUSING BY DEPUTY S. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER REGARDING THE BREAKDOWN OF THE DEPARTMENT'S MAINTENANCE BACKLOG.

Question

1. Would the Minister provide a breakdown of his Department's £75 million maintenance backlog?
2. Would the Minister provide an age profile of those 1,000 better-off' tenants, identified within the Social Housing Property Plan as paying full-fair rent without abatement or paying at least 90% full-fair rent?
3. What consultation has been undertaken by the Department with the 1,000 better-off' tenants, identified within the Social Housing Property Plan as paying full-fair rent without abatement orpayingat least 90% full-fair rent, to enable it to identify the likely uptake of tenants of the proposed Shared Equity Scheme?
4. What consultation has been undertaken by the Department with the tenants currently occupying the 800 properties that have been earmarked for sale within the Social Housing Property Plan, to enable it to identify the likely uptake of tenants of the proposed Shared Equity Scheme?

5. In view ofthe fact that the Social Housing Property Plan is to be debated on the 17th July  2007,  would  the  Minister  inform  Members  what  discussion  has  taken  place between his Department and those mortgage providers who provide mortgages to the over 50s?

Answer

1. The breakdown of refurbishment work per site is as follows -

Site

Ann Court 1 Ann Court 2

Bashfords Estate

Caesarea Court H/R

Clos de Balmain

Number of

Anticipated Scope of Works Dwellings

Major refurbishment (funds will now be committed to replacement of accommodation to be lost to Town

22 Park scheme)

Major refurbishment (funds will now be committed to replacement of accommodation to be lost to Town

48 Park scheme)

Replace heating systems, install double glazed windows; replace doors; cavity fill the block work;

paving to the estate; upgrading mains electricity; clad fascias and replace the rainwater goods;

70 upgrade the communal lighting.

Demolish & Rebuild, or insulate; upgrade the heating; replace the lifts; replace the drainage; install double glazed windows; replace entrance doors; new

roofing; upgrade the external facilities; inspect & 52 upgrade electrics; replace the balconies; upgrade

M/E; upgrade the communal storage facilities; repair parking areas; upgrade landscaping.

Replace heating systems; replace double glazed 67 windows; replace communal entrance doors;

insulate; insulate roofs; upgrade laundry facilities;

upgrade electrical main cable; repairs to paving and tarmac.

Replace fascias and Soffits; install double glazed windows; replace communal doors; insulate

Clos des  building; re-cover roofs; upgrade external facilities; Sables 163 - 8 upgrade communal lighting; replace water storage; 170 replace rainwater goods; decorate internally.

Replace roofs; upgrade the heating; replace/reline the drains; install double glazed windows; insulate

building; install door entry systems; replace entrance Clos du Fort  48 doors and curtain walling; replace rain water goods; Phase 1 upgrade flooring at communal areas; upgrade communal lighting.

Replace heating systems; repair drainage; install Clos du  double glazed windows; replace doors; insulate

Quennevais 16 building; replace roofing; new electric main; new water main; renew landscaping/parking.

Replace heating systems; replace drains; install double glazed windows; replace front/back doors;

insulate building; clean roofs; augment loft Clos du  insulation; upgrade electric main; replace rain water

Roncier 83 goods; landscaping; provide youth facility; de-

commission oil system.

Replace heating system; upgrade drains; install double glazed windows; front & back doors; insulate

building; re-cover roofs; augment loft insulation; Clos Gosset 115 upgrade mains electricity; replace rain water goods;

refurbish internal areas.

CAlnods rSet  55 Rceolvinere rdoroafisn;sr;eipnasitra lwl dalolus balnedgfleanzecdesw; iinnsdtoawll sp;l arey-

area; insulate; fascias & soffits; replace rain water

goods; replace garage doors.

Demolish & Rebuild. Or insulate; upgrade the heating; replace the lifts; replace the drainage; install double glazed windows; replace entrance

Convent  doors; new roofing; upgrade the external facilities; Court HR 82 inspect & upgrade electrics; replace the balconies; upgrade the communal storage facilities; repair

parking areas; upgrade landscaping.

Demolish & Rebuild. Or insulate; upgrade the heating; replace the lifts; replace the drainage; install double glazed windows; replace entrance

De  doors; new roofing; upgrade the external facilities; Quetteville  32 inspect upgrade electrics; replace the balconies; Court H/R upgrade the communal storage facilities; repair

parking areas; upgrade landscaping.

Inspect drains; replace rear windows and curtain walling; replace entrance doors; insulate cavity and

Don Close 6 roofs; upgrade communal lighting; decorate communal areas.

Replace heating systems; install double glazed windows; replace front and rear doors; insulate and

Gorey  clean roofs; repair tarmac and paving; upgrade Village 62 electricity main; insulate; replace fascias rainwater goods; upgrade internal areas.

Replace heating systems; re-cover roofs; install Grouville  double glazed windows; upgrade mains electricity; Arsenal 18 insulate; replace fascias & rainwater goods.

Hampshire  Convert bed sits to 1 bed units; upgrade heating; Gardens 39 install up to 4 lifts; reline drains; install double

glazed windows; renew communal entrance doors; insulate building; erect Decra roofing; upgrade landscaping; upgrade mains electricity; upgrade

water main; upgrade internal communal areas.

Install double glazed windows; replace front doors; Hillside  12 insulate cavity and roofs; upgrade external areas.

Court

Upgrade heating systems; refurbish lifts; upgrade drainage; install double glazed windows; replace all

doors; insulate building; replace & insulate roof; Hue Court  improve play area and decking; upgrade mains

H/R 114 electricity; replace water plant and equipment; upgrade internal rain water goods; replace internal

flooring; water proofing works to car park.

Replace heating systems; upgrade drainage; install double glazed windows; replace front and rear

Jardin des  doors; upgrade insulation; replace roof and augment Carreaux 50 insulation; upgrade play area; replace rainwater

goods.

Upgrade heating system; add lifts; upgrade drainage; refurbish entrance doors; insulate

buildings; upgrade mains electricity; upgrade mains JoCuronueratux  61 water; refurbish communal areas; upgrade kitchens

and bathrooms.

Upgrade heating systems; upgrade the drainage; install double glazed windows; refurbish

community area; cavity fill walls; replace roof George V  16 coverings; augment loft insulation; upgrade external Homes lighting; replace rainwater goods; replace front doors.

Upgrade heating; re-line drains; install double glazed windows; upgrade electricity; external

cladding; repair roof; rock face stabilization; La Carriere 12 upgrade plumbing; replace rainwater goods; renew shed areas.

Insulate; upgrade the heating; replace the lifts; replace the drainage; install new double glazed

windows; replace entrance doors; new roofing; La Collette  upgrade the external facilities; inspect & upgrade Flats 119 electrics; replace the balconies; upgrade the

communal storage facilities; repair parking areas; upgrade hard & soft landscaping.

Upgrade heating system; inspect and repair drains; install double glazed windows; replace entrance

doors; cavity fill walls; augment the loft insulation; La Grande  upgrade mains electricity; upgrade water at

Piece 38 pressurized system; replace rain water goods, fascias, soffits etc; upgrade communal lighting.

Replace heating system; install double glazed windows; augment loft insulation; upgrade

Le Clos du  electrical mains; replace fascias and rain water

Martin 16 goods etc; upgrade communal lighting; refurbish metal balcony rails.

Upgrade heating; install new lobby doors; install double glazed windows; refurbish existing timber

doors; replace roof; augment loft insulation; FlLaetsG1e-yt21 21 upgrade electrical mains; replace rain water goods;

lay new communal flooring; insulate the building.

Replace heating systems; install double glazed windows to flats; remedial works to other windows;

replace some front doors; insulate properties; clean Les Cinq  off roofs; augment loft insulation; upgrade electrical

Chenes 1 - supply; remove and re-fix rain water goods and 106 106 cladding; tarmac repairs; works to boundary; play

equipment refurbishment; decommission oil pipe

line.

Replace heating systems; install double glazed windows; replace entrance doors; cavity fill

Les

22 insulation; replace roof coverings; augment loft Maisonettes

insulation; upgrade electrical supply; refurbish communal areas.

Upgrade heating systems; replace drains; install double glazed windows; upgrade door entry systems; refurbish main entry doors; insulate building; augment loft insulation; improve hard

Les Vaux 28 landscaping; check electrics; replace rain water

goods; upgrade internal communal areas; replace doors with composite doors.

Upgrade heating systems; install double glazed Lewina 2 windows.

Liberation  Replace entrance doors.

78

Court

Lord  Insulate cavities; augment loft insulation. Coutanche  38

Court

Replace heating systems; install double glazed Maesteg  windows; replace entrance doors; cavity fill;

House 6 upgrade mains electrics.

Replace heating systems; install double glazed windows; repairs to external cladding; clean roof

Nicholson  tiles; upgrade hard landscaping and play area; Close 16 upgrade mains electricity; repairs to rain water goods.

Replace heating systems; install double glazed Normandy  windows; replace entrance doors; re-cover roofs; Cottages 9 insulate fascias, soffits and rain water goods.

Replace heating systems; install double glazed windows; clean off roofs; upgrade parking

Pillar

31 landscaping and play area; upgrade mains Gardens

electricity; repairs to rain water goods; replace garage doors.

Repair drains; fit door entry systems; fit new doors; insulate building; remedial works to roof coverings;

upgrade play area and hard landscaping; upgrade Pomme  86 emergency communal lighting; replace rain water

d'Or Farm goods; insulate fascias gutters etc..; upgrade

communal areas.

Replace heating systems; recover roof; augment loft Pre de  24 insulation; upgrade mains electrics.

Talbot

Replace heating systems; insulate cavity; recover roofs; upgrade mains electricity; replace rain water

Princess  12 goods, fascias & soffits.

Place Flats

Replace heating; re-cover roofs; augment loft PrPilnacceess  26 insulation; upgrade mains electrics.

Houses

Replace heating systems; insulate cavity; recover Raleigh  roofs; upgrade mains electricity; replace rain water Avenue  8 goods, fascias & soffits.

House

Replace heating systems; re-cover roof; augment Rosemount  26 loft insulation;

Estate

Replace heating system; re-cover roofs; augment St Georges  20 loft insulation; upgrade rain water goods.

Estate

Replace heating system; re-cover roofs; augment St Martins  loft insulation; upgrade mains electrics; replace Arsenal 22 ceilings and lighting in communal areas.

St Peters  Replace heating systems; re-cover roofs; augment

21

Arsenal loft insulation; replace rain water goods.

Replace heating systems. St Peters

School  18

Estate

Replace heating systems; install double glazed windows; repairs to external cladding; clean roof

Sutton  tiles; upgrade hard landscaping and play area; Court 18 upgrade mains electricity; repairs to rain water

goods; replace garage doors.

Insulate; upgrade the heating; replace the lifts; replace the drainage; install double glazed windows; replace entrance doors; new roofing; upgrade the external facilities; inspect upgrade

The Cedars 74 electrics; replace the balconies; upgrade the

communal storage facilities; repair parking areas; upgrade hard landscaping.

Replace heating systems; repair/replace drains; re- cover roofs; augment loft insulation; upgrade mains

Town Mills 18 electrics; replace rain water goods.

Service windows; augment loft insulation; insulate fascias and soffits; replace rain water goods;

VGaaurxdheanlsl  51 upgrade communal lighting.

Victoria  Refurbish older blocks to create lifetime homes. Cottage  70

Homes

Replace heating systems; survey & repair drains; install double glazed windows; replace entrance doors with composite items; insulate and render

Vincent  external walls; re-cover roofs; augment loft

Court 43 insulation; upgrade mains electrics; renew rain water goods; upgrade internal communal areas.

Replace heating systems; replace front and rear doors; repairs to cladding; re-cover roofs; augment

Wellington  loft insulation; upgrade hard landscaping and play

Park 55 areas; upgrade mains electrics; replace rain water goods, fascias and soffits.

Re-lay drains; insulate cavities; carry out repairs to Westmount  55 tarmac and paved areas.

Park

Replace heating systems; install double glazed windows; carryout repairs to cladding; clean roofs;

Whiteley  augment loft insulation; upgrade hard landscaping Close 21 and play area; upgrade mains electricity; repairs to

rain water goods; replace garage doors.

Replace heating systems; clean roofs; augment loft Wilkes  insulation; upgrade mains electrics; replace garage

Gardens 29 doors.

Replace heating systems; install double glazed Woodlands 4 windows; upgrade communal lighting.

2. The 1,000 best off tenants' as at today can be categorised as follows - 152 are 40 years old or under,

404 are aged between 41 and 50, 73 are aged between 51 and 60 371 are aged over 60.

3. It was not deemed sensible to contact these tenants in advance of a States decision, particularly when this is a 10year Plan and it is acceptedthat,overthattenyear period, people's  incomes  and  circumstances  will continuously  change. However,  the information below provides a snap shot of current uptake:-

(d)

236 tenants have already come forward to confirm their interest in purchasing. 142 of these tenants are currently paying full-fair rent without abatement or paying at least 90%  full-fair  rent.  On  the  basis  of  declared  earnings,  the  following  can  also  be confirmed:-

Of these 236 -

191 could secure a mortgage of £160,000 175 could secure a mortgage of £211,500.

5. ThePropertyPlandoesnot identify the actual properties being proposed for sale,rather a maximum number of sales on any given Estate. 70 of these properties are at Le Squez and Le Marais and have already been sold or are due to be sold over the coming months. The remaining properties at Le Squez and Le Marais (139) will be newly built during the refurbishment of future Phases on the two Estates. All tenants at Le Squez and Le Marais have been visited on at least one occasion todiscuss the redevelopment, those being affected the earliest and who are being decanted at this time, have in most cases been visited three times. In respect ofthe other properties outlined in the Plan, the Department has no intention of asking anyof the current tenants to move from their home in order for a sale to go ahead. Current tenants, who wish to buy their home, once refurbished but at any time over the 10 year period, will be able to do so until the maximum number of sales on that site is reached. Tenants who wish to buy over that 10 year period who do not currently occupy a propertyproposed for sale, will have the opportunity to do so as and when properties naturally become void over that 10 year period.
6. A number of lending institutions have approached the Department to discuss the proposed Shared Equity Scheme. These meetings have been at the request of the lending institutions to familiarise themselves with the proposals. No reference was made during discussions to particular age groups as sales would be open to tenants of all ages, although it has become clear that a number ofthe lenders are tailoring their products to older first time buyers and those on lower incomes offering such things as extended repayment periods and 100% mortgages.

13. THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES BY DEPUTY S. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER  REGARDING  ANTICIPATED LOST  REVENUE FROM GAS PLACE CAR PARK WHEN IT IS CONVERTED TO A TOWN PARK.

Question

1. Would the Minister advise members how much annual revenue is received fromGas Place car park, (and which will be lost once it is converted to the town park)?
2. Would the Minister provide the totalcostofthe proposed refurbishment ofMinden Place car park?

Answer

1. Itisnotpossibletogiveanexact figure of annual revenue fromGas Place carparkas it is not possible to establish when someone purchases a bookof Paycards or a Season Ticket and in which car park they will use it.

However, based on recent utilisation surveys, it is possible to give a fairly accurate indication of net revenue based on 2006 figures. This would be in the order of £415,400 per annum. This does not include the rental received for the Talman Site, adjacent to Bath Street/David Place.

2. There is no intention to refurbish Minden Place car park. When a new car park is constructed to replace Gas Place car park, it will provide both shopper and commuter car parking and allow Minden Place to be demolished as it is no longer effective or efficient as a modern parking facility.

14. THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SPORT AND CULTURE BY DEPUTY G.C.L. BAUDAINS OF ST. CLEMENT REGARDING THE STUDENT LOAN SCHEME.

Question

Would the Minister, in relation to the student loan scheme, advise members –

1. whether there will be a maximum loan amount for the overall period of study, including interest, given that there is a £1,500 maximum per annum?
2. whether the terms of the agreement  reached with  the Banks  by the  Minister includes reference to interest charged and, if so, whether that includes a fixed or variable rate? Furthermore will the Minister be underwriting loans above a set limit?
3. whether loans will be fixed term, or able to be paid back with corresponding reduction in interest?
4. how the scheme caters for students who may be declined a loan by banks for whatever reason?

Answer

With regard to the student loan scheme –

1. there is no maximum loan amount for the overall period of study;
2. the agreement reached withthe banks provides for a loan with interest charged at 1% above base. The 1% is a fixed rate, base rate however can change. The Minister will not be underwriting loans above a set limit;
3. the repayment period is a fixed term of 5 years commencing one year after graduation. There are provisions however for early repayment which would have the effect of reducing accumulated interest;
4. the arrangements made withthe banks provide for a loan supported by a States guarantee; the banks therefore will not refuse loans to eligible students;

15. THE MINISTER FOR TREASURY AND RESOURCES BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER REGARDING A CAP ON MORTGAGE TAX RELIEF.

Question 1

When the Minister set a cap on mortgage tax relief in 2003 for the 2004 budget, the average price of a three bedroom house was £333,000; it is now £381,000 and rising. Will the Minister inform members whether he has under consideration any of the following actions –

1. raising the cap in line with inflation, or
2. raising it in line with average house price inflation, to around £350,000 or
3. leaving the cap where it is, thus generating additional tax revenue, or
4. reducing the cap, as occurred in the U.K. during MIRAS (Mortgage Interest Relief At Source) reform?

Will the Minister further indicate what tax revenues might be generated or lost from any of the above actions?

Answer

I have no plans to amend the cap from its current £300,000 limit.

From an economic standpoint there is little reason to consider raising the cap for mortgage interest relief. Firstly, it will have the effect of undermining revenues, much in the same way as a tax cut, and this would not be prudent at a time when the economy is performing very strongly and we are predicting budget deficits in future years. Secondly, at a time when the housing market is clearly tightening, reflecting the strength of our economy, to increase the cap would only serve to add to house price pressures in the Island.

Although the Comptroller of Income Tax has details on the Income Tax Returns delivered to him of the amount of a particular mortgage and the interest payable on it, he does not contain that information on his computer system. So he would have to go through every single personal taxpayer file to determine all those with mortgages on principal private residences and then estimate, through that exercise, the yield from increasing or decreasing the £300,000 cap. That would take a huge amount of effort and resource. As I have no plans to amend the cap, that is not a resource I am prepared to expend, particularly as the Comptroller and his staff are fully occupied doing their normal operational and administrative tax work. However, from next year, 2007 year of assessment, when 20% means 20% is operational, details of the mortgage amount, the £300,000 cap and the total interest paid by individual taxpayers will be placed on the computer system, so the tax yield / cost of such cap movements' may very well be available in the future through a new tax modelling programme.

Question 2

Does the Minister consider that property owners in the buy-to-let market enjoy a tax advantage over those buying to occupy under Jersey tax rules and if so, would he consider the introduction of measures to remove such inequities in treatment?

Answer

Where a person acquires land or buildings for the purpose of letting that property on commercial and open market terms, full tax relief is granted for the interest payable on a loan incurred for the purpose of buying that land or property. This relief is available to all Jersey taxpayers, and is the same tax treatment as given to all interest payments incurred for a commercial purpose, including that of real property investment holding. There is no limit on the relief available on borrowing for commercial purposes. This policy ensures that employment, commercial and business activities continue to prosper.

Mortgage interest tax relief for the purchase of a principal private residence is restricted to the interest payable on a mortgage up to the value of £300,000, thereby assisting those in the lower to middle income brackets but denying relief to higher income earners. I do not consider this inequitable, since the circumstances

16. THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER REGARDING WIND-TESTS PERFORMED ON THE CASTLE QUAY DEVELOPMENT.

Question

Is the Minister now able to reveal the results of the wind-tests performed on the Castle Quay development?

Answer

I can confirm that the results of this study are now available. A summary of the Wind Tunnel Study has been published within the Environmental Impact Analysis that was undertaken for Castle Quay. This Environmental Impact Analysis was a prerequisite of the application, as required by Supplementary Planning Guidance, and is a public document which constituted part of the formal planning application submission.

I am pleased to provide a summary of some of the main results of this study.

A boundary layer Wind Tunnel Study was carried out by consultants to assess the pedestrian and terrace level wind environment for the Castle Quay Development. The study provides a detailed quantitative assessment of the wind environment at key locations around the proposed development. This is evaluated in terms of the U.K. Industry standard pedestrian comfort and safety criteria. The study assesses the impact of the proposed development relative to the existing site conditions. The study also verified the effectiveness of wind mitigation schemes in order to provide a suitable pedestrian level wind environment for planned pedestrian activities.

Three key conclusions were drawn from the work:-

1. For existing site conditions the pedestrian level wind environment in and around the existing site isgenerallyratedas unsuitable intermsofsafetyanddeemed comfortable, atleastinwinter,forno more than a levelof walking normally associated with business activities.
2. The proposed development has a significant beneficial impact on wind conditions within the site relative to existing site conditions.
3. The proposed development also has a major beneficial impact on conditions during much of Rue de L'Etau and at the south-west side of the Aquasplash Leisure complex.

The wind mitigation scheme has been prepared by the developer and is integrated with the hard and soft landscaping proposals which from part of the landscaping framework for the site.

The main mitigation measures are screens which can either be solid i.e. glazing or walls; or porous, i.e. landscaping and planting, located at key points within the scheme to provide wind deflection. There are a series of folding door shutters at ground floor level where the development has a westerly aspect which will give protection to pedestrians to wind and inclement weather. They are retractable so that in fine weather the inside' street becomes part of the outdoor promenade.

These measures need not detract from the appearance of the development. Where porous' screening such as planting is appropriate they will contribute positively to the appearance. Plants and trees have been chosen with their context and ability to adapt to the conditions very much in mind. Where solid screens are unavoidable they will be used in a manner which considers their context and visual impact. Glazed screens (which can be decorated) have been used in schemes elsewhere to deliver the same protection to pedestrians whilst considering appearance, context, setting and views.

The approval will stipulate that all mitigation measures which are not currently part of the landscaping scheme will require the approval of the Minister before they can be implemented.

In summary, the construction of Castle Quay should not have an adverse impact upon the current wind level environment around adjoining buildings. Base level information is available for the existing wind levels at Harbour Reach and the proposed development will not adversely impact upon the present wind environment around that building.

My officers will be happy to provide access to the full Report, as described above.

17. THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER REGARDING A MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK PLANNED FOR ANN COURT.

Question

Has the Minister consulted with the residents of numbers 1 and 2 districts of St. Helier regarding plans to demolish Ann Court and replace it with a multi-storey car park, and if not, when will he start the consultation process?

Answer

This proposal is part of the wider EDAW review into regenerating St. Helier and consultation on this is currently being undertaken. I am not anticipating undertaking specific consultation on this single proposal but, if it is progressed, residents will be able to have input in the planning process as normal.

2. Oral Questions

The Bailiff :

We come now to oral questions and the first question is in the name of the Connétable of St. Helier of the Minister for Transport.

1. Connétable A.S. Crowcroft of St. Helier of the Minister for Transport regarding the transportation of incinerator ash between the incinerator and La Collette:

Would the Minister give details as to the frequency of the transportation of incinerator ash consignments between the incinerator and La Collette? Whether any account is taken of weather conditions during the operations and what regime is in place to ensure the careful transport of ash between Bellozanne and La Collette, particularly the prevention of "fugitive emissions" at each stage of the process?

Deputy G.W.J. de Faye of St. Helier (The Minister for Transport):

The average frequency for incinerator ash transportation from Bellozanne to La Collette is 33 deliveries per week. This frequency varies according to how many incinerator streams are in operation at the Bellozanne plant and the workflow availability of ash transportation lorries. Ash is transported in most weather conditions, however if the wind speed is excessive the operation will be postponed until the wind drops. When incinerator bottom ash exits the incinerator's water quench bath it is transported to a temporary weathering bay which is an external concrete storage area at Bellozanne with a facility for capturing leachate. From the weathering bay the ash is transported in covered lorries to the lined ash pit at La Collette where it is tipped, covered and eventually sealed with a capping liner. A similar process, although a slightly more intensive one, applies to incinerator fly ash.

1. The Connétable of St. Helier :

Could I refer the Minister to a report from the Head of Environmental Protection and I quote: "TTS' (Transport and Technical Services) officers have confirmed that there were difficulties experienced in the operational aspects of the work resulting in the fugitive emissions of ash from the area and likely to have been taken off site." In the light of what he has just said can he assure the House that this was a one-off occurrence and that ash is not regularly being blown off La Collette into the surrounding areas?

Deputy G.W.J. de Faye:

Yes, Sir, I can give that assurance. Indeed, as soon as there was any indication that ash was being blown from the site, operations ceased immediately. In fact I can go further and inform the House of the result of a Planning Environment investigation into the alleged migration of waste from the La Collette site. It says: "No physical evidence exists to suggest that significant pollution of controlled waters has occurred"; in other words has escaped from the site entirely into the sea, and no evidence is available to suggest that the operator, the Transport and Technical Services Department, has operated in anything less than an environmentally sound manner. I hope that gives reassurance to Members.

2. Deputy G.C.L. Baudains of St. Clement :

I am grateful for the Minister's reassurances this morning. I wonder if he could just clarify one thing? I am glad to hear that the ash is transported in lorries in a covered fashion. During the unloading process, the tipping process, is the ash dry and if so, surely with any wind blowing there is likely to be some loss of ash in that process? What mechanism is used to ensure during the tipping process it is not liable to become airborne?

Deputy G.W.J. de Faye:

It is my understanding, Sir, that normally - and if I may refer in this instance to the slightly more toxic incinerator ash - when emptying the silo at Bellozanne the fly ash is mixed with water until it is similar to a cake mix. This is done to prevent the ash from getting airborne during discharge or transportation. The dampened ash is then channelled into a covered lorry, transported directly to La Collette site, put into a lined ash pit and covered immediately. So I think I can give a fairly clear assurance that the ash is still in a damp condition when it is being unloaded.

3. Deputy P.V.F. Le Claire of St. Helier :

Could the Minister explain what the reason was behind the ash being stored temporarily outside of the lined pits at La Collette?

Deputy G.W.J. de Faye:

One of the lined pits had basically filled up and the second lined pit was not immediately ready for use. Consequently ash was placed on top of the lined pit, suitably covered and then removed and transferred at the appropriate juncture.

4. Deputy J.A. Martin of St. Helier :

What the Minister describes sounds very safe. But what I would like to ask the Minister, can he tell us who polices this and inspects that these practices are carried out in the way he describes and how often these practices are tested?

Deputy G.W.J. de Faye:

There are 2 regulators involved, the Health and Safety Protection Team under Health and Social Services and also the Environment Protection Officer under the Planning and Environment Department. There are also Environment Officers who are experienced in the handling of ash on site and the department itself ensures that approved processes are adhered to. I do want to, while standing, Sir, take this opportunity to assure both Members and the public that there have been an embarrassing number of scare stories emanating from some Members of this House that are entirely unfounded. I understand that even now there are some parents in the Island who are preventing their children from swimming at the Havre des Pas swimming pool on the grounds that it may have been polluted by toxic ash from the La Collette site. This is, I regret to say, patent nonsense. The Havre des Pas swimming pool is entirely safe for anyone to swim in for as long as they wish.