States Meeting Transcript - 20/10/2009

STATES OF JERSEY OFFICIAL REPORT

TUESDAY, 20th OCTOBER 2009

QUESTIONS......................................................................................9

1. Written Questions........................................................................9

1. DEPUTY T.A. VALLOIS OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE CHIEF MINISTER REGARDING THE AVERAGE WAGE IN THE ISLAND: ............................9
2. DEPUTY T.A. VALLOIS OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE MINISTER FOR TREASURY AND RESOURCES REGARDING THE TOTAL TAX TAKE IN JERSEY:............9
3. DEPUTY T.A. VALLOIS OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY REGARDING THE TOTAL AMOUNT PAID IN INCOME SUPPORT FOR THE LAST 12 MONTHS: ........................................................10
4. DEPUTY T.A. VALLOIS OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES REGARDING A DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF THE FUNDS ALLOCATED TO EACH AREA OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE YEAR 2009:................................................................10

5. THE DEPUTY OF ST. JOHN OF THE CHIEF MINISTER REGARDING THE EXCLUSION OF THE MAGISTRATE DESIGNATE FROM COURT DUTIES:.....13

7. THE DEPUTY OF ST. JOHN OF THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS REGARDING THE DEPLOYMENT OF U.K. POLICE OFFICERS IN THE VICINITY OF THE STATES CHAMBER AND STATES MEMBERS' AREA DURING A RECENT DRUGS TRIAL IN THE ROYAL COURT:.................................13
8. DEPUTY J.M. MAÇON OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS REGARDING THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS LEAVING THE STATES OF JERSEY POLICE BEFORE REACHING RETIREMENT AGE OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS:..........................................................................14
9. SENATOR J.L. PERCHARD OF THE MINISTER FOR TREASURY AND RESOURCES REGARDING THE ALLOCATIONS MADE TO DATE FROM THE ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE:................................................15
10. DEPUTY J.A. MARTIN OF ST. HELIER OF THE CHIEF MINISTER REGARDING THE IMPACT OF A 2 PER CENT PAY AWARD ACROSS THE VARIOUS PUBLIC SECTOR GRADES:....................................................................16
11. SENATOR J.L. PERCHARD OF THE CHIEF MINISTER REGARDING THE EXTENSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD TO JERSEY:.............................................................19
12. THE DEPUTY OF ST. JOHN OF THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS REGARDING THE COST OF THE U.K.s CENTRAL OFFICE FOR INFIORMATION'S PRESS LIAISON SERVICES DURING A RECENT DRUGS CASE IN THE ROYAL COURT: ......................................................19
13. SENATOR B.E. SHENTON OF H.M. ATTORNEY GENERAL REGARDING AN ESTIMATE OF THE TOTA PROSECUTION COSTS IN RESPECT OF THE RECENT CONVICTION OF CURTIS WARREN AND ASSOCIATES:........................20

14. SENATOR B.E. SHENTON OF THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS REGARDING AN ESTIMATE FOR THE TOTAL COST TO HIS DEPARTMENT IN RESPECT OF THE SURVEILLANCE, ARREST AND CONVICTION OF CURTIS WARREN AND ASSOCIATES:.......................................................22
15. SENATOR B.E. SHENTON OF THE CHIEF MINISTER REGARDING THE WATERFRONT ENTERPRISE BOARD'S OWNERSHIP OF THE WATERFRONT CAR PARK:............................................................................23
16. THE DEPUTY OF ST. JOHN OF THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES REGARDING FOREIGN REGISTERED VEHICLES IN THE ISLAND: .........................................................................24
17. DEPUTY T.M. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REGARDING THE INSTALLATION OF AN ELECTRONIC BARRIER/GATE ON THE ALBERT QUAY:.........................................25
18. DEPUTY T.M. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER OF THE CHIEF MINISTER REGARDING MINISTERS AND ASSISTANT MINISTERS' EXPENSES CLAIMS:................25
19. DEPUTY T.M. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES REGARDING THE ALLOCATED AREAS FOR STATES MEMBERS AT PIER ROAD CAR PARK:..................................26
20. DEPUTY T.M. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SPORT AND CULTURE REGARDING THE SUMMER STUDENT INTERNSHIP SCHEME:..............................................................................26
21. DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY REGARDING REDUNDANCIES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR:........27

22. DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY REGARDING THE IMPACT OF THE WITHDRAWAL OF TRANSITION PAYMENTS ON INCOME SUPPORT LEVELS: .....................29
23. DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR TREASURY AND RESOURCES REGARDING REPRESENTATION ON THE STEERING GROUP FOR THE FISCAL STRATEGY REVIEW:..................................29
24. DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES REGARDING WORKING HOURS AMONGST HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES PROFESSIONALS: .......................................29
25. DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SPORT AND CULTURE REGARDING APPRENTICESHIPS OVER THE PAST 5 YEARS IN THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS:................................30
26. THE DEPUTY OF ST. MARY OF THE MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REGARDING RGE CRITERIA BUILT INTO THE REGULATION OF UNDETAKINGS AND DEVELOPMENT LAW AT ITS INCEPTION ON 1ST JANUARY 1974: ......................................................................31
27. THE DEPUTY OF ST. MARY OF THE MINISTER FOR TREASURY AND RESOURCES REGARDING THE PROGRESSIVENESS IUN THE TAX AND BENEFIT SYSTEM:...................................................................31
28. DEPUTY R.G. LE HÉRISSIER OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES REGARDING THE CALL-OUT RATES FOR TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES STAFF:................32
29. DEPUTY R.G. LE HÉRISSIER OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SPORT AND CULTURE REGARDING THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS NOT COMPETENT IN LITERACY AND NUMERACY SKILLS:......32
30. DEPUTY S. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES REGARDING THE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF HER ASSISTANT MINISTERS:......................................................33

31. DEPUTY S. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REGARDING THE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF HIS ASSISTANT MINISTERS:........................................................34
32. DEPUTY S. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY REGARDING THE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF HIS ASSISTANT MINISTERS:............................................................34
33. DEPUTY S. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SPORT AND CULTURE REGARDING THE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF HIS ASSISTANT MINISTERS: ...................................35

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

1. Deputy D.J. De Sousa of St. Helier of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding the use of the Economic Stimulus Package to employ local companies where appropriate: ............................................................................40 Senator P.F.C. Ozouf (The Minister for Treasury and Resources):............................40

1. Deputy G.P. Southern of St. Helier:....................................................40
2. Deputy P.J. Rondel of St. John : ........................................................41
3. The Deputy of St. John:................................................................41

4. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................42
5. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................42
6. Deputy D.J. De Sousa:..................................................................42

2. Deputy J.A.N. Le Fondré of St. Lawrence of the President of the Chairmen's Committee regarding travel and entertainment expenses incurred by the Public Accounts Committee and the Scrutiny Panels in 2009:........................................................43 Senator B.E. Shenton (President, Chairmen's Committee):...................................43

1. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade:.......................................................43
2. The Deputy of St. John:................................................................43
   3. Deputy C.F. Labey of Grouville of the Minister for Social Security regarding a recent cash fraud committed by a couple receiving Long Term Incapacity benefit:............43 Deputy I.J. Gorst of St. Clement (The Minister for Social Security):..........................43

1. The Deputy of Grouville :...............................................................44
2. Connétable A.S. Crowcroft of St. Helier:...............................................44
3. The Connétable of St. Helier:...........................................................44

4. Connétable D.W. Mezbourian of St. Lawrence:........................................45
5. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................45
6. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................45
7. Deputy M. Tadier :......................................................................45
8. The Deputy of Grouville :...............................................................46

4. Deputy J.M. Maçon of St. Saviour of the Chief Minister regarding the involvement of the Isle of Man in negotiations with theE.U:...............................................46 Senator T.A. Le Sueur (The Chief Minister):.................................................46

1. Deputy T.M. Pitman of St. Helier:......................................................46
2. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................46
3. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................47
4. Deputy P.V.F. Le Claire of St. Helier : ..................................................47
5. Deputy P.V.F. Le Claire: ...............................................................47
6. Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier of St. Saviour:...............................................47
7. Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier: ..............................................................48
8. Deputy M. Tadier :......................................................................48
9. Deputy M. Tadier :......................................................................48
10. The Deputy of St. John:..............................................................49
11. The Deputy of St. John:..............................................................49

12. The Deputy of Grouville : ............................................................49
13. The Deputy of Grouville : ............................................................49
14. Deputy J.M. Maçon:.................................................................49

5. Deputy S. Power of St. Brelade of the Minister for Economic Development regarding the perception of the Regulation of Undertakings and Development (Jersey) Law 1973 as a barrier to economic growth:............................................................50 Senator A.J.H. Maclean (The Minister for Economic Development):.........................50

1. Deputy S.Power:.......................................................................50
2. Deputy D.J. De Sousa:..................................................................50
3. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................51
4. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................51
5. Deputy S.Power:.......................................................................51
   6. Senator B.E. Shenton of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding the estimated total cost to the taxpayer in respect of the recent conviction of Curtis Warr en and associates: ..............................................................................51 Senator P.F.C. Ozouf (The Minister for Treasury and Resources):............................51

1. Senator B.E. Shenton:..................................................................52
2. Senator J.L. Perchard:..................................................................52
3. The Deputy of Grouville :...............................................................52
4. The Deputy of Grouville :...............................................................52

7. The Deputy of St. John of the Minister for Transport and Technical Services regarding parking in front of the States Building: .................................................53 Connétable M.K. Jackson of St. Brelade (The Minister for Transport and Technical Services): .........................................................................................53

2.7.1 The Deputy of St. John:................................................................53

8. Deputy J.A. Martin of St. Helier of the Chief Minister regarding the Criminal Offences (Jersey) Law 2009:.....................................................................53 Senator T.A. Le Sueur (The Chief Minister):.................................................54

1. Deputy J.A. Martin:....................................................................54
2. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................54
3. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................55
4. Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier: ..............................................................55
5. Deputy J.A. Martin:....................................................................55

9. Deputy F.J. Hill of St. Martin of the Chief Minister regarding the introduction of Inheritance legislation:..................................................................56 Senator T.A. Le Sueur (The Chief Minister):.................................................56 Deputy J.A.N. Le Fondré (Assistant to the Chief Minister - rapporteur):......................56

1. The Deputy of St. Martin:..............................................................56
2. The Deputy of St. Martin:..............................................................57
3. Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier: ..............................................................57

10. Senator S.C. Ferguson of the Minister for Economic Development regarding the provision ofallotments:................................................................57 Senator A.J.H. Maclean (The Minister for Economic Development):.........................57 Connétable L. Norman of St. Clement (Assistant Minister for Economic Development - rapporteur):.............................................................................57

1. Senator S.C. Ferguson:..............................................................57
2. Senator S.C. Ferguson:..............................................................58
3. The Deputy of St. John:..............................................................58
4. The Deputy of St. John:..............................................................59
5. Deputy D.J. De Sousa: ..............................................................59
6. Deputy D.J. De Sousa: ..............................................................59
7. Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier:...........................................................59

8. Deputy D.J.A. Wimberley of St. Mary : ..............................................60
9. The Deputy of St. Mary:.............................................................60
10. Deputy J.A. Hilton of St. Helier:...................................................60
11. Senator S.C. Ferguson: ............................................................60
12. Senator S.C. Ferguson: ............................................................60

11. Deputy K.C. Lewis of St. Saviour of the Minister for Home Affairs regarding hand-held lasers:..................................................................................61 Senator B.I. Le Marquand (The Minister for Home Affairs): .................................61

1. Deputy M.R. Higgins of St. Helier:..................................................61
2. Deputy K.C. Lewis : .................................................................61

12. Deputy G.P. Southern of the Chief Minister regarding the Zero/Ten fiscal strategy:....62 Senator T.A. Le Sueur (The Chief Minister):.................................................62

1. Deputy G.P. Southern : ..............................................................62
2. Deputy T.M.Pitman:................................................................62
3. The Deputy of Grouville : ............................................................63
4. Deputy D.J. De Sousa: ..............................................................63
5. Deputy D.J. De Sousa: ..............................................................63
6. Deputy G.P. Southern : ..............................................................64
7. Deputy G.P. Southern : ..............................................................64

13. Deputy T.M. Pitman of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding nursing staff working back-to-back day and night shifts:........................................64 Deputy A.E. Pryke of Trinity (The Minister for Health and Social Services):.................64

1. Deputy T.M.Pitman:................................................................65
2. Deputy G.P. Southern : ..............................................................65
3. Deputy G.P. Southern : ..............................................................65
4. The Deputy of St. Martin : ...........................................................66

14. Deputy S. Power of the Minister for Transport and Technical Services regarding an increase in glass waste being included in mixed domestic refuse deposited at the incinerator at Bellozanne: ..............................................................66 The Connétable of St. Brelade (The Minister for Transport and Technical Services):.........66

1. Deputy S.Power:....................................................................67
2. Deputy D.J. De Sousa: ..............................................................67
3. The Connétable of St. Helier:........................................................67

15. The Deputy of St. John of the Minister for Transport and Technical Services regarding the servicing of non-States owned vehicles by the Transport and Technical Services Engineering Section:....................................................................67 The Connétable of St. Brelade (The Minister for Transport and Technical Services):.........68

2.15.1 The Deputy of St. John:..............................................................68

16. Deputy G.P. Southern of the Minister for Housing regarding the conclusions reached by Professor Whitehead in her report relating to Housing in the Island:....................68 Senator T.J. Le Main (The Minister for Housing): ............................................68

2.16.1 Deputy G.P. Southern : ..............................................................69

17. Deputy T.M. Pitman of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding retention of nursing staff: ........................................................................69 The Deputy of Trinity (Minister for Health and Social Services):.............................69

1. Deputy T.M.Pitman:................................................................69
2. Deputy A.E. Jeune of St. Brelade:...................................................70
3. Deputy G.P. Southern : ..............................................................70
4. Deputy G.P. Southern : ..............................................................70
5. Deputy D.J. De Sousa: ..............................................................70
6. Deputy T.M.Pitman:................................................................71

18. Deputy D.J. De Sousa of the Minister for Economic Development regarding efforts to encourage utilities to reduce prices when the rate at which they purchased the relevant commodities went down:...............................................................71 Senator A.J.H. Maclean (Minister for Economic Development):..............................71

1. Deputy D.J. De Sousa: ..............................................................71
2. Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier:...........................................................72 Deputy D.J. De Sousa:........................................................................72

19. The Deputy of St. Martin of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding the advancement of an initiative publicising information about prostate cancer and the establishment of a bowel screening programme:........................................72 The Deputy of Trinity (The Minister for Health and Social Services):........................72

1. The Deputy of St. Martin : ...........................................................73
2. Deputy P.V.F. Le Claire:............................................................73

3. Questions to Ministers Without Notice - The Housing Minister.......................73

1. Deputy T.M.Pitman:...................................................................74 Senator T.J. Le Main (The Minister for Housing): ............................................74
2. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................74

3.2.1 Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................74

3. Deputy D. J. De Sousa:.................................................................75
4. Senator S.C. Ferguson:.................................................................75
5. The Deputy of St. Martin:..............................................................75
6. The Deputy of St. John:................................................................75
7. Deputy K.C. Lewis :....................................................................76
8. Senator J.L. Perchard:..................................................................76
9. Deputy J.A. Martin:....................................................................76

3.9.1 Deputy J.A. Martin:....................................................................76

10. Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier: ..............................................................77

3.10.1 Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier:...........................................................77

11. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................77
12. The Deputy of Grouville :...............................................................77

4. Questions to Ministers Without Notice - The Chief Minister..........................78

1. The Deputy of St. John:................................................................78 Senator T.A. Le Sueur (The Chief Minister):.................................................78

1. The Deputy of St. John:................................................................78
   2. Deputy J.M. Maçon:....................................................................78
   3. Deputy M. Tadier :......................................................................79

4.3.1 Deputy M. Tadier :......................................................................79

4. Senator S.C. Ferguson:.................................................................79

4.4.1 Senator S.C. Ferguson:.................................................................79

5. Deputy P.V.F. Le Claire: ...............................................................80

4.5.1 Deputy P.V.F. Le Claire: ...............................................................80

6. The Deputy of St. Martin:..............................................................80
7. Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier: ..............................................................80

4.7.1 Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier: ..............................................................81

8. The Deputy of Grouville :...............................................................81

4.8.1 The Deputy of Grouville :...............................................................81

9. Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................81

4.9.1 Deputy G.P. Southern :..................................................................82

10. Connétable J. Gallichan of St. Mary : ...................................................82

PUBLIC BUSINESS.............................................................................82

5. Draft Banking Business (Depositors Compensation) (Jersey) Regulations 200- second reading (P.86/2009) ......................................................................82

1. Senator A.J.H. Maclean:................................................................83
2. Deputy M.R.Higgins:..................................................................83

6. Public Lotteries Board: Appointment of Member (P.154/2009) .......................83

Senator A.J.H. Maclean:......................................................................84 6.1 The Connétable of St. Clement (Assistant Minister for Economic Development - rapporteur):.............................................................................84 6.1.1The Deputy of St. John : .................................................................84

7. Committee of Inquiry: Reg's Skips Ltd. - Appointment of Members (P.163/2009)...84

7.1 Senator T.A. Le Sueur (The Chief Minister):...........................................84

1. The Connétable of St. Clement:........................................................85
2. The Deputy of St. Mary:................................................................85
3. Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier: ..............................................................86
4. Senator S.C. Ferguson:.................................................................87
5. Senator P.F.C. Ozouf :..................................................................87
6. Senator T.A. Le Sueur:.................................................................87

LUNCHEON ADJOURNMENT PROPOSED..................................................89 LUNCHEON ADJOURNMENT................................................................89

PUBLIC BUSINESS - resumption..............................................................89

8. Jersey Financial Services Commission: Appointment of Commissioners (P.164/2009) ...........................................................................................89

(In camera proceedings).......................................................................89 The Bailiff :...................................................................................89

9. Civil Partnerships (P.136/2009).........................................................91

9.1 Senator T.A. Le Sueur (The Chief Minister):...........................................91

1. Senator P.F.C. Ozouf :..................................................................92
2. Deputy P.V.F. Le Claire: ...............................................................94
3. Deputy T.M.Pitman:...................................................................95
4. Senator B.E. Shenton:..................................................................96
5. Deputy A.K.F. Green of St. Helier:.....................................................96
6. Senator T.J. Le Main: ..................................................................96
7. The Deputy of St. John:................................................................97
8. Mr. W.J. Bailhache Q.C., H.M. Attorney General:......................................97
9. Senator B.I. Le Marquand:..............................................................98
10. Deputy D.J. De Sousa: ..............................................................99
11. The Deputy of St. Martin : ...........................................................99
12. The Connétable of St. Ouen : .......................................................100
13. Deputy M. Tadier :..................................................................100
14. Deputy S.Power:..................................................................101
15. Deputy A.E. Jeune : ................................................................102
16. Deputy J.M. Macon:................................................................103
17. Senator J.L. Perchard: ..............................................................103
18. The Very Reverend R.F. Key, B.A., The Dean of Jersey: ..........................103

19. Deputy A.T. Dupre of St. Clement:................................................104
20. Deputy J.B. Fox of St. Helier : ......................................................104
21. The Connétable of St. Brelade:.....................................................104
22. Deputy T.A. Vallois of St. Saviour:................................................105
23. Deputy I.J. Gorst :..................................................................105
24. Senator T.A. Le Sueur:.............................................................105

10. Annual Business Plan 2009: variation in respect of pay freeze – rescindment (P.143/2009)............................................................................107

1. Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier: ............................................................109

1. Connétable J. Gallichan of St. Mary:...............................................109
2. Deputy J.M. Maçon:................................................................110
3. Senator T.A. Le Sueur:.............................................................110
4. Deputy T.M.Pitman:...............................................................110
5. Deputy T.A. Vallois:...............................................................110
6. Deputy J.A. Martin: ................................................................110
7. Senator P.F.C. Ozouf : ..............................................................111

2. Deputy S.Pitman:.....................................................................112

3. Annual Business Plan 2009: variation in respect of pay freeze – rescindment (P.143/2009) – amendment (P.143/2009) ..............................................116

1. Deputy J.M. Maçon:................................................................116
2. Deputy M. Tadier :..................................................................117
3. Deputy J.A. Martin: ................................................................118
4. Deputy A.K.F. Green:..............................................................120
5. Senator T.A. Le Sueur:.............................................................120
6. Deputy G.P. Southern : .............................................................121
7. Deputy D.J. De Sousa: .............................................................121
8. Deputy S.Pitman:..................................................................121
9. Deputy P.V.F. Le Claire............................................................122
10. Deputy T.M.Pitman..............................................................122
11. Deputy G.P. Southern :............................................................123
12. Deputy J.M. Maçon:..............................................................124

ADJOURNMENT..............................................................................126

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

QUESTIONS

1. Written Questions

1. DEPUTY  T.A.  VALLOIS  OF  ST.  SAVIOUR  OF  THE  CHIEF  MINISTER REGARDING THE AVERAGE WAGE IN THE ISLAND:

Question

Would the Chief Minister provide figures in relation to the average pay in the Island for those in the following wage bands –

Average pay for those earning £0 - £80,000 Average pay for those earning £80,000.01 and above

Answer

As at June 2009, it is estimated that:

• the median average earned income for individuals earning less than £80,000 per annum was approximately £30,000 per annum on a full-time equivalent basis;
• the median average earned income for individuals earning more than £80,000 per annum was about £100,000 per annum on a full-time equivalent basis.

2. DEPUTY T.A. VALLOIS OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE MINISTER FOR TREASURY AND RESOURCES REGARDING THE TOTAL TAX TAKE IN JERSEY:

Question

Will the Minister provide a detailed breakdown of the total tax take in Jersey, showing the amounts paid by the various sectors of taxpayers, including businesses and those paying under 20 means 20'?

Answer

£ million

Trading companies  119 Investment companies   34 International business companies   67 Individuals in employment (marginal rate)   66 Individuals in employment (standard 20% rate)  136 Sole traders / trading partnerships (marginal rate)   4 Sole traders / trading partnerships (standard 20% rate)   23 Investment holders / pensioners (marginal rate) 9

Investment holders / pensioners (standard 20% rate) 22 Total tax collected to date for 2007 year of assessment 480

3. DEPUTY T.A. VALLOIS OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY REGARDING THE TOTAL AMOUNT PAID IN INCOME SUPPORT FOR THE LAST 12 MONTHS:

Question

Would the Minister advise the Assembly of the total amount paid in Income Support for the last 12 months, and indicate how much has been paid in relation to additional benefits such as cold weather payments and GST offset?

Answer

For the purpose of my response I have taken the 12 month period to 30th September 2009.

For this period, £82,170,000 has been expended against Income Support. This total includes residential care and transition benefits. The total also includes £379,000 for cold weather payments.

GST Bonus is a separate benefit not included within Income Support and £350,000 has been expended in the same 12 month period.

4. DEPUTY T.A. VALLOIS OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES REGARDING A DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF THE FUNDS ALLOCATED TO EACH AREA OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE YEAR 2009:

Question

Could the Minister provide a detailed breakdown of the funds allocated to each area of Health and Social Services for the year 2009 and advise the current position of each of these areas in respect of :-

1. the amount the area is underfunded.
2. the amount of Manpower actually required to undertake jobs in the departments (meaning the amountof people needed toprovide a standard level of service which does not impinge on employees' lives and wellbeing).
3. the amount of Manpower currently available in departments.

Answer

The funds allocated to each area of Health and Social Services are shown in Appendix I.

It is difficult to respond in detail to the question without a comprehensive analysis of existing services and cost pressures. For this reason, the Minister welcomes the proposed Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) which should serve to answer section (a) and also section (b) in part. In relation to section (c) the manpower allocation is shown in Appendix II.

Whilst the proposed CSR may identify areas requiring investment across the service, it is already evident that nursing requires urgent investment. This has been identified through the Nurse Staffing Review, undertaken over a 2 year period and covering 35 in-patient areas.

It is anticipated that there will be a phased programme of investment over the next 3 years. The total cost of this will be £3.2m and £1.8m has been identified for phase one of the programme which will begin in January 2010. Further work needs to be undertaken in some specialised areas and similar pieces of work are planned to enable a full understating of staffing requirements for other professional groups.

As of the beginning of October 2009, there were approximately 120 FTE vacant posts from a total workforce of 2437.

Appendix I

People  

7,926,100 8,759,560  (355,070) 1,940,200 2,173,654  (167,028) 4,041,200 4,498,411  (86,590)

Pathology  

Pharmacy  

Therapy Services  

Surgical Services

14,597,800 17,279,325  (299,072) 5,454,900 6,780,240  (337,648) 7,592,900 8,783,491  (1,653,745) 10,821,800 10,114,519  (1,234,443) 432,700 2,500,843  (2,007,178) 3,334,600 3,548,368  (164,241)

Surgical Specialties  Obstetrics and Gynaecology  Theatres  

Surgical Ward s  

Private Patients Ward s  

Physiotherapy

Radiology  and  Diagnostic  Imaging  

3,247,000 4,612,624  (1,574,183)

Mental Health Services

1,330,300 1,593,209  (392,651) 9,106,700 10,587,788  (365,209)

Alcohol and Drugs Service  Adult Mental Health Service  

Child  and  Adolescent  Mental  Health Services  

927,400 (13,922)

956,095  7,163,354  

6,417,700 Elderly Mental Illness Services  (1,144,183)

Social Services

8,454,300 9,111,636  (213,682) 3,943,600 4,108,009  (83,077) 9,649,000 10,360,679  (291,145)

Children's Services

Adult Social Services

Special Needs Services

Ambulance Services

4,451,900 4,635,940  (52,316) 747,200 749,939  (11,885)

Ambulance

Patient Transport

£147,901,500  £170,785,928  

Net Revenue Expenditure (£17,186,028)

Appendix II

Health and Social Services

12

Service Analysis - Fte

FTE count by Service Analysis category

Note - Corporate Departments, Management and Support Posts across H&SS includes Estates, Engineering, Maintenance and Hotel and Catering Services, etc., across all areas.

5. THE DEPUTY OF ST. JOHN OF THE CHIEF MINISTER REGARDING THE EXCLUSION OF THE MAGISTRATE DESIGNATE FROM COURT DUTIES: Question

Given that the Magistrate Designate has been excluded from Court duties for a considerable time, could members be told of the costs involved in this exclusion and advised when, or if, the matter will be resolved to enable him to fulfil his role?

Answer

The additional costs incurred to date (covering the period from 1st July 2008 to 30th September 2009) as a result of the current exclusion of the Magistrate Designate from Court duties are £88,320.00.

I am unable to provide further information about an individual case at this time but can assure the Deputy that the matter is under active consideration. This is not an employment contract which is subject to the States Employment Board and the Employment (Jersey) Law, 2003.

6. THE DEPUTY OF ST. JOHN OF THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS REGARDING THE INVOLVEMENT OF POLICE OFFICERS FROM OUTSIDE THE ISLAND IN A RECENT DRUGS CASE IN THE ROYAL COURT:

Question

During the recent drugs case in the Royal Court how many of the police officers involved were from outside forces involved in the protection of witnesses and other duties in the Island and who paid them to be here, where were they housed and at what cost to date?

Answer

It is not policy for the police to disclose details around operational policing requirements; however mutual aid arrangements were called upon to assist in the provision of additional firearms cover in support of local officers. At any one time eight officers were deployed from UK forces on a rotation basis.

The estimated cost to date is £96,000, including accommodation at local hotels, at £60 per officer per night, which has been charged to the Police budget.

There will be further security issues in respect of the forthcoming sentencing of the convicted men to take place in early December, and thereafter any potential appeal, which will have a financial impact which has not been included in the above estimate.

7. THE DEPUTY OF ST. JOHN OF THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS REGARDING THE DEPLOYMENT OF U.K. POLICE OFFICERS IN THE VICINITY  OF  THE  STATES  CHAMBER  AND  STATES  MEMBERS'  AREA DURING A RECENT DRUGS TRIAL IN THE ROYAL COURT:

Question

Why was it considered necessary to deploy UK police officers in the vicinity of the States Chamber and States members' area within the States building, rather than local police officers?

Answer

Staff were deployed in the States building on a rotational basis in pairs, based on operational requirements and each comprising a UK firearms officer and a States of Jersey Police firearms officer.

At no time was any UK officer alone in the States building.

8. DEPUTY  J.M. MAÇON  OF  ST.  SAVIOUR  OF  THE  MINISTER  FOR  HOME AFFAIRS REGARDING THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS LEAVING THE STATES OF JERSEY POLICE BEFORE REACHING RETIREMENT AGE OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS:

Question

Can the Minister inform the Assembly of the number of police officers who have left the States of Jersey Police before reaching retirement age over the last five years and would he submit a gender and age breakdown?

Answer

The earliest retirement age is 50 years. The second retirement age is 55 years, which may be extended annually by the Chief Officer.

Due to changes to computer systems in October 2007, it is not possible to readily access data prior to that date.

However, the figures for the two years from 1st October 2007 to 30th September 2009 are as follows:

A total of 15 Police Officers left the States of Jersey Police prior to their earliest retirement date. Of these there were 13 males and 2 females. The age breakdown is as follows:

Age Male Female 25-29 2 2 30-34 3 0 35-39 3 0 40-44 2 0 45-49 3 0

9. SENATOR J.L. PERCHARD OF THE MINISTER FOR TREASURY AND RESOURCES REGARDING THE ALLOCATIONS MADE TO DATE FROM THE ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE:

Question

Will the Minister provide details of all the agreed allocations made to date from the Economic Stimulus Package?

Answer

All allocations from the Economic Stimulus Package are made by ministerial decision and are publicly available with their accompanying reports. To date the agreed allocations are:

Ministerial Decision

Reference

MD-TR-2009- 0110

MD-TR-2009- 0130

MD-TR-2009- 0131

MD-TR-2009- 0135

MD-TR-2009- 0133

MD-TR-2009- 0141

MD-TR-2009- 0143

MD-TR-2009- 0132

MD-TR-2009- 0142

MD-TR-2009- 0153

MD-TR-2009- 0154

MD-TR-2009- 0161

Department

TTS Treasury ESC

Social Security EDD

EDD

TTS

Social Security

Jersey Harbours

TTS TTS Housing

Projects

Design spend on projects in provisional programme

Programme Management costs - estimate included in provisional programme

Up to 100 additional places at Highlands (first academic year), Careers Strengthening annual cost new adviser and first tranche training allocation, Advance to Work (Youth Training) annual cost staff including 3 mentors (sufficient for 45 participants) and IT set up

Citizens Advice Bureau grant for debt counselling and mortgage arrears protocol

First tranche of funding for various initiatives to support businesses

States Apprenticeships Scheme Promenade and Cycle Track

Transitional relief from HIE to Income Support - extension of 100% support

Design spend on St Aubins Pier project

Victoria Avenue Phase 2 - Fiscal Stimulus contribution to construction cost

Drainage and highways projects - pre-tender costs of design and professional fees

Planning spend for Housing Backlog Maintenance programme

£

200,000 200,000

924,200

50,300 500,000 972,750

337,000 1,440,000 70,000 1,143,452 263,000 133,200

Total of approved allocations to Departments – "Green Lights"  6,233,902 Provisional "amber light" approvals  40,575,985 TOTAL PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME 46,809,887

10. DEPUTY J.A. MARTIN OF ST. HELIER OF THE CHIEF MINISTER REGARDING THE IMPACT OF A 2 PER CENT PAY AWARD ACROSS THE VARIOUS PUBLIC SECTOR GRADES:

Question

Would the Chief Minister provide a detailed breakdown of the impact of a 2% pay award across the various public sector grades?

Answer

Following the tabling of this question, it is understood that Deputy Martin confirmed to the States Greffe that she was only interested in the effect of an increase of 2.0% to the pay scales of Manual Workers and Civil Servants.

In accordance with this clarification of the Deputy 's question, the pay scales attached show the effect of an increase of 2% on the pay of:

• Manual Workers; and,
• Civil Servants.

The Deputy is asked to note that the pay of Manual Workers is shown as weekly pay and thus the increases shown as a result of a 2% increase are weekly increases, whilst the pay of Civil Servants is shown as an annual salary and thus the increases shown as a result of a 2% increase are annual increases.

STATES OF JERSEY - CIVIL SERVICE PAY

The table below shows the effect of a theoretical increase of 2.0% on basic rates of pay of Civil Servants Pay Code Grade Current Rates Implementation of Annual

(with effect from 1/6/08) a theoretical increase of Increase

2.00%

CS01 00 0 1/0 £16,530 £16,861 £331 CS01 01 0 1/1 £17,097 £17,439 £342 CS01 02 0 1/2 £17,677 £18,031 £354 CS01 03 0 1/3 £18,280 £18,646 £366 CS02 00 0 2/0 £18,280 £18,646 £366 CS02 01 0 2/1 £18,440 £18,809 £369 CS02 02 0 2/2 £18,607 £18,979 £372 CS02 03 0 2/3 £18,765 £19,140 £375 CS03 00 0 3/0 £18,765 £19,140 £375 CS03 01 0 3/1 £19,375 £19,763 £388 CS03 02 0 3/2 £20,004 £20,404 £400 CS03 03 0 3/3 £20,650 £21,063 £413 CS04 00 0 4/0 £20,650 £21,063 £413 CS04 01 0 4/1 £21,361 £21,788 £427 CS04 02 0 4/2 £22,084 £22,526 £442 CS04 03 0 4/3 £22,839 £23,296 £457 CS05 00 0 5/0 £22,839 £23,296 £457 CS05 01 0 5/1 £23,622 £24,094 £472 CS05 02 0 5/2 £24,428 £24,917 £489 CS05 03 0 5/3 £25,264 £25,769 £505 CS06 00 0 6/0 £25,264 £25,769 £505 CS06 01 0 6/1 £26,126 £26,649 £523 CS06 02 0 6/2 £27,016 £27,556 £540 CS06 03 0 6/3 £27,938 £28,497 £559 CS07 00 0 7/0 £27,938 £28,497 £559 CS07 01 0 7/1 £29,066 £29,647 £581 CS07 02 0 7/2 £30,235 £30,840 £605 CS07 03 0 7/3 £31,455 £32,084 £629 CS08 00 0 8/0 £31,455 £32,084 £629 CS08 01 0 8/1 £32,799 £33,455 £656 CS08 02 0 8/2 £34,199 £34,883 £684 CS08 03 0 8/3 £35,658 £36,371 £713 CS09 00 0 9/0 £35,658 £36,371 £713 CSO9 01 0 9/1 £37,454 £38,203 £749 CS09 02 0 9/2 £39,344 £40,131 £787 CS09 03 0 9/3 £41,324 £42,150 £826

MANUAL WORKERS' PAY

The table below shows the effect of a theoretical increase of 2.0% on basic rates of pay of Manual Workers

Manual Worker Pay

Current Implementation of Weekly

MIMS PAY Weekly Rate a theoretical increase Increase

GRADE CODE w/e/f 01/06/08 2.00%

1/0 MW01 00 0 £374.73 £382.22 £7.49

1/1 MW01 01 0 £381.47 £389.10 £7.63

1/2 MW01 02 0 £388.16 £395.92 £7.76

1/3 MW01 03 0 £394.91 £402.81 £7.90

2/0 MW02 00 0 £394.91 £402.81 £7.90

2/1 MW02 01 0 £401.61 £409.64 £8.03

2/2 MW02 02 0 £408.33 £416.50 £8.17

2/3 MW02 03 0 £415.06 £423.36 £8.30

3/0 MW03 00 0 £415.06 £423.36 £8.30

3/1 MW03 01 0 £421.77 £430.21 £8.44

3/2 MW03 02 0 £428.49 £437.06 £8.57

3/3 MW03 03 0 £435.19 £443.89 £8.70

4/0 MW04 00 0 £436.91 £445.65 £8.74

4/1 MW04 01 0 £445.30 £454.21 £8.91

4/2 MW04 02 0 £453.71 £462.78 £9.07

4/3 MW04 03 0 £462.13 £471.37 £9.24

5/0 MW05 00 0 £462.13 £471.37 £9.24

5/1 MW05 01 0 £470.50 £479.91 £9.41

5/2 MW05 02 0 £480.61 £490.22 £9.61

5/3 MW05 03 0 £490.67 £500.48 £9.81

6/0 MW06 00 0 £500.76 £510.78 £10.02

6/1 MW06 01 0 £510.84 £521.06 £10.22

6/2 MW06 02 0 £520.92 £531.34 £10.42

6/3 MW06 03 0 £531.03 £541.65 £10.62

7/0 MW07 00 0 £531.03 £541.65 £10.62

7/1 MW07 01 0 £541.09 £551.91 £10.82

7/2 MW07 02 0 £552.84 £563.90 £11.06

7/3 MW07 03 0 £564.63 £575.92 £11.29

8/0 MW08 00 0 £552.84 £563.90 £11.06

8/1 MW08 01 0 £564.63 £575.92 £11.29

8/2 MW08 02 0 £576.36 £587.89 £11.53

8/3 MW08 03 0 £588.13 £599.89 £11.76

8/4 MW08 04 0 £599.89 £611.89 £12.00

8/5 (C/Hand) MW08 05 0 £611.65 £623.88 £12.23 8/6 (C/Hand)* MW08 06 0 £653.15 £666.21 £13.06 *with increased managerial responsibility

11. SENATOR J.L. PERCHARD OF THE CHIEF MINISTER REGARDING THE EXTENSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD TO JERSEY:

Question

When does the Chief Minister expect that he will be in a position to formally request the U.K. to extend their ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to Jersey?

Answer

It is impossible to give a precise answer to this question.

Before Jersey requests the ratification of any international convention or such an agreement is extended, a thorough analysis is carried out into the legislative, policy and resource requirements to determine whether Jersey is compliant with the international obligations and what changes may be required to achieve compliance.

This is essential to ensure that, if the convention was extended, the United Kingdom Government would not be held to be in default of its international obligations on behalf of Jersey.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child requires cross-departmental implementation, and a detailed matrix of the convention obligations and compliance is currently being undertaken by the Education, Sport and Culture; Health and Social Services; Home Affairs; Probation and Law Officers Departments.

There is a considerable amount of work still to be carried out but, on the basis of the initial analysis so far, it appears that there may be a need to introduce new primary and subordinate legislation, to review certain policies and to make provision for some significant additional resource commitments. Some of this is currently in progress, but the timetable for all the changes is not yet certain.

12. THE DEPUTY OF ST. JOHN OF THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS REGARDING THE COST OF THE U.K.s CENTRAL OFFICE FOR INFIORMATION'S PRESS LIAISON SERVICES DURING A RECENT DRUGS CASE IN THE ROYAL COURT:

Question

How much has it cost to date for the U.K.'s Central Office for Information (COI) to provide press liaison services to the media in respect of the recent drugs case in the Royal Court?

Will the Minister provide full details of all sums paid to the COI for the provision of such services from 1st January 2008 to date, including the costs apportioned for the historic child abuse trials?

Will the Minister explain why press liaison services are being provided by a UK agency for the current trail when the States of Jersey Police employs a full time press liaison officer? Can the Minister advise whether the States police press officer is precluded from or unable to provide the service to the media in the current trial?

Will the Minister provide a full breakdown of all press liaison costs for the current trial when it is concluded?

Answer

The Home Affairs Minister/Department and the States of Jersey Police have not employed the services of the UK's Central Office for Information. The Minister believes that the Court system has done so, but the Minister is not responsible for the Court system, and so it is not appropriate for him to answer on their behalf.

13. SENATOR B.E. SHENTON OF H.M. ATTORNEY GENERAL REGARDING AN ESTIMATE OF THE TOTA PROSECUTION COSTS IN RESPECT OF THE RECENT CONVICTION OF CURTIS WARREN AND ASSOCIATES:

Question

Can the Attorney General give an estimate of the total prosecution costs in respect of the recent conviction of Curtis Warr en and associates?

Can the Attorney General advise whether the defendants paid for their own defence costs or whether these costs were covered under the legal aid system?

Given that the legal aid system is normally financed by local law firms, can the Attorney General advise whether the taxpayer contributed to the defence costs in this case, and if so, give an estimate of the sums spent and, also advise under what criteria legal aid was authorised given the indicated substantial wealth of one of the defendants?

Answer

The external prosecution costs have been £1,002,500 over the period 2007 to date.

My understanding is that the six defendants applied for and were granted legal aid. The defence costs were borne in part by the lawyers personally in the sense that they gave of their time either at no cost or at a lower than market rate and in part by the legal aid vote administered through the Judicial Greffier. The total defence costs to date charged to the legal aid vote were, I believe, in the sum of approximately £1,200,000.

I have asked the Judicial Greffier for the details to enable me to provide members with the facts, and have been advised as follows:

"LEGAL AID SCHEME

1. TheLegal Aid Scheme in Jersey is administered by the Bâtonnier, the head of the local Bar, and most duties under the scheme are delegated to the Acting Bâtonnier. The Legal Aid Scheme is not statutory and has developed outofthe obligations placed upon the legal profession, who are bound by their oath, to represent "veuves, pauvres, orphelins et personnes indefendues."Thescopeof the scheme hasoverthe years extended well beyond the obligation to represent "widows, the poor, orphans and the undefended".
2. The system is now set out in the 2005 Legal Aid Guidelines ofthe Law Societyof Jersey, containing detailed rules as to the availability of legal aid, the financial criteria for the granting of legal aid and the general administration ofthe Legal Aid Scheme.
3. The discretion as to whether to grant a legal aid certificate rests exclusively withthe Bâtonnier (in practice, by delegation, the Acting Bâtonnier).

STATUTORY PROVISIONS

4. Under the provisions of the Costs in Criminal Cases (Jersey) Law 1961 the costs of a defendant for whom a lawyer has been appointed under the Legal Aid Scheme are paid from public funds where the defendant is acquitted. Payment is also made from public funds for a legally-aided defendant in connection with an appeal from the Magistrate's Courtto the Royal Court and an appeal from the Royal Court to the Court of Appeal under the Magistrate's Court (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Jersey) Law 1949 and 1961 Law respectively, irrespective of the outcome of the appeal.
5. In the case of payment in relation to appeals an hourly rate specified by the Court is applied, these currently equate to hourly rates of £141 (£137) for an advocate who is salaried to £175 (£169) for an advocate who is a partner. (The figures in brackets represent the hourly rate in force between 1st June 2008 and 31stMay 2009.)

The costs of an acquitted legally-aided defendant are not limited to the contribution (if any)

that the defendant would be expected to pay his or her lawyer under the Legal Aid Scheme administered by the Bâtonnier.

LEGAL AID VOTE

6. The Legal Aid Vote is the fund administered by the Judicial Greffe from which necessary disbursements incurred by lawyers acting under the Legal Aid Scheme are paid. In a limited number of exceptional cases (of which there have been approximately 12 in the past 10 to 15 years) lawyers' fees in respect of particularly onerous legal aid cases are also paid from this fund. The basis of payment has changed over the years but nowadays payment is generally made (a) only after lawyers have completed at least 60 hours unpaid work,(b)atthe legal aidrate fixed by the Court in connection with Legal Aid Appeals in criminal cases and (c) is subject to an informal taxation (or assessment).

The Legal Aid Vote also bears the costs of Court appointed amicus curiae. The hourly

rates paid to a court appointed amicus are negotiated on a case-by-case basis but generally range from the external Crown Advocates' rate (£267) to a discounted commercial rate.

THE PRESENT CASE

The Deputy Judicial Greffier was satisfied this was a serious case which raised complex

legal and other issues and would necessarily involve exceptional demands on the time of the lawyers appointed by the Bâtonnier under the Legal Aid Scheme. In short, the case would represent an unduly onerous legal aid burden for the appointed lawyers.

The Deputy Judicial Greffier entered into correspondence with the advocate appointed

to act for the defendant Warr en and obtained an affidavit from the defendant testifying that all his assets had been frozen in the United Kingdom by the English authorities pursuant to a request made by the Dutch authorities.

The Deputy Judicial Greffier also took into consideration potential human rights

implications and other policy considerations including the likelihood of the Court appointing an amicus in the event that a defendant was not represented.

During the course of the pre-trial applications and appeals new lawyers were appointed by the

Bâtonnier to certain defendants.

The total payments to eight lawyers who have acted for the six defendants, and to the lawyer

appointed by the Royal Court and the Court of Appeal as amicus curiae when the defendant Warr en was without legal representation, amount to approximately £1.2m. In this particular case the lawyers also agreed to limit the basis on which costs would be claimed should the defendants be acquitted and the lawyers awarded costs under the 1961 Law.

The figure includes all disbursements claimed in relation to foreign law advice and expert

opinion required by the legal aid lawyers.

The Deputy Judicial Greffier welcomes the fact that there is Ministerial discussion with the

Law Society in connection with potential reforms of the Legal Aid Scheme."

I add to this that the Island is bound in law to ensure that accused persons have a fair trial. In

appropriate cases, this means ensuring that legal representation – not, as is sometimes said, legal representation of the accused's choice – is available to the accused. At the same time, the position must be fair to the counsel involved, and the present scheme is intended to tread a path through these principles.

It should also be said that defence counsel have to be and be seen to be independent in their

defence of the accused. One should expect them therefore to take all points which professionally ought to be taken. It is known that there are issues to be discussed with the profession, and like the Deputy Judicial Greffier, I welcome the fact that there is Ministerial discussion with the Law Society on this matter.

14. SENATOR B.E. SHENTON OF THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS REGARDING AN ESTIMATE FOR THE TOTALCOSTTOHISDEPARTMENTIN RESPECT OF THE SURVEILLANCE, ARREST AND CONVICTION OF CURTIS WARREN AND ASSOCIATES:

Question

Can the Minister give an estimate for the total cost to his Department in respect of the surveillance, arrest, and conviction of Curtis Warr en and associates?

Answer

Since the commencement of the Police operation in 2007 the estimated cost to date to the Home Affairs Department for the surveillance, arrest, security and subsequent conviction of Curtis Warr en and associates amounts to £964,500.

There remain ongoing security matters in respect of the forthcoming sentencing of the convicted men to take place in early December, and thereafter any potential appeal, which will  have a financial impact which has not been included in the above estimate. It is not policy for the police to disclose details around operational policing requirements.

15. SENATOR B.E. SHENTON OF THE CHIEF MINISTER REGARDING THE WATERFRONT ENTERPRISE BOARD'S OWNERSHIP OF THE WATERFRONT CAR PARK:

Question

Given that P.40/1997 was passed on the condition that the Waterfront car park and associated revenue would be passed back to the States on completion, can the Chief Minister explain under what authority the Waterfront Enterprise Board retained ownership, under what authority the persons that took this decision acted, and what the total gross revenue of the car park has been to date?

Answer

Attached to P.40/1997 is the Financial Administrative Agreement between the Finance and Economics Committee of the States of Jersey and the Waterfront Enterprise Board Limited which states:-

"Upon completion of the Waterfront development, WEB will return the assets to the States of Jersey. This return of assets will be deemed to represent an "in specie" payment to the States to cancel its share investment in WEB".

This agreement was subsequently varied by P.45/2002 which agreed:-

"that the Waterfront Enterprise Board Limited should be permitted to retain any capital receipts from the sale, leasing or sub-leasing of any of the areas of land for the purpose of funding further infrastructure work in order to complete the St. Helier Waterfront development as agreed with the Planning and Environment Committee, and, thereafter to allocate any surplus receipts to the sinking fund established by the Finance and Economics Committee to meet the cost of the company's share capital."

Under P.45/2002 the States approved the sale of various freehold and long (150 years) leasehold sites to WEB for nominal sums. The approval of this proposition resulted in the Waterfront car park being transferred to WEB on a long (150 year) lease.

Set out below is the car park income for the period 2000 to 2008. The car park cannot be taken in isolation as there are running costs associated with the Waterfront estate (including the public open space and public gardens above the Waterfront car park) and these costs are also detailed below together with the net profit/loss:-

2000

£ Car  Park  59,557

income

Estate costs (274,682) Profit/(loss) (215,125)

2001 2002

£ £

196,497 239,184

(323,146) (400,340) (126,649) (201,156)

2003 2004

£ £

94,556 178,074

(403,243) (550,109) (308,687) (372,035)

2005 2006

£ £

268,414 295,741

(568,693) (440,109) (300,279) (144,368)

2007 2008

£ £

337,804 497,674

(457,905) (439,764) (120,101) 57,910

Cumulatively therefore, WEB has received £2.168million in revenue from the Waterfront car park. Against this WEB has spent £3.858million in maintaining the waterfront estate which includes Les Jardins de la Mer park, the Steam Clock & gardens, Waterfront car park gardens, promenades, waterfront road network, waterfront street lighting and landscaping on La Route de Port Elizabeth so the company's net position is a loss of £1.69million.

WEB will continue to maintain these assets until the Waterfront development is complete. The majority of these assets are not revenue generating and carry an annual maintenance liability. These ongoing annual maintenance costs have been assisted by Waterfront car park revenues which WEB could have not otherwise funded.

On completion of the West of Albert developments, the Waterfront roads, promenades, parks and landscaping will be transferred to either the Public or the Parish and the Waterfront car park will be returned to the States of Jersey.

16. THE  DEPUTY  OF  ST.  JOHN  OF  THE  MINISTER  FOR  TRANSPORT  AND TECHNICAL SERVICES REGARDING FOREIGN REGISTERED VEHICLES IN THE ISLAND:

Question

Given the number of foreign registered vehicles on our roads, what measures, if any, would the Minister consider implementing to strengthen the Motor Vehicle International Circulation (Jersey) Law 1953 to ensure that all persons working in Jersey and businesses operating in the Island have Jersey registered vehicles?

Answer

The relevant  legislation is in place to meet the requirements of International Conventions, in particular, the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic agreed in Geneva, in 1949. Article 1 of the Convention states:-

"1.  While reserving its jurisdiction over the use of its own roads, each Contracting State

agrees to the use of its roads for international traffic under the conditions set out in this Convention.

2.  No Contracting State shall be required to extend the benefit of the provisions of this Convention to any motor vehicle or trailer, or to any driver having remained within its territory for a continuous period exceeding one year."

Countries that are signatories to the Convention will have similar legislation in their jurisdiction.

Currently, all persons working in Jersey who have a permanent contract, a contract that extends beyond 12 months, have resided in Jersey for more than 12 months or expect to reside in Jersey for more than 12 months are required to obtain a Jersey driving licence and register any motor vehicle he/she has imported to Jersey. Similarly, companies operating in Jersey unless providing relatively short term services using vehicles operated by non-Jersey based staff who have brought these vehicles to the Island, should register company vehicles.

The Convention and supporting International Circulation legislation were promoted, among other things, to permit free movement of temporary visiting drivers and vehicles between jurisdictions. Latitude to restrict movement is therefore limited and would be likely to lead to reciprocal restrictions being imposed on Jersey drivers and vehicles circulating in other jurisdictions. This would create problems for Jersey businesses operating in the UK and Europe, students and other Jersey residents who travel abroad for limited periods of time.

17. DEPUTY T.M. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REGARDING THE INSTALLATION OF AN ELECTRONIC BARRIER/GATE ON THE ALBERT QUAY:

Question

Following a meeting I organised between residents, Harbours, the Police and his Assistant Minister, could the Minister advise what progress, if any, has been made with regard to installing a manned, electronic barrier/gate at Albert Quay to prevent unauthorised cars and motorbikes causing a nuisance to residents late at night and will he give an indication of when this will finally be in place?

Answer

In consultation with the Resident's Association and port users, a planning application was submitted in September to install a gate system at the entrance to the port. The electronic barrier will be manned at peak times.

The planning process is currently underway and notices are on display to this effect. If approved, the lead in time for delivery of the gates will then be a further 12 to 15 weeks. Subject to planning approval, work on installation will commence in the New Year.

18. DEPUTY T.M. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER OF THE CHIEF MINISTER REGARDING MINISTERS AND ASSISTANT MINISTERS' EXPENSES CLAIMS:

Question

Will the Chief Minister clarify how many Ministers and Assistant Ministers are currently claiming both their expense allowance and having their Blackberry bills paid; further still, what the total amount of these bills are for the year from December 2008 to October 2009?

Answer

I can confirm that eighteen Ministers and Assistant Ministers are claiming both their expense allowance of £3,650 per annum and having their States supplied Blackberry bills paid.

The total amount for the States supplied Blackberry bills for the period December 2008 to October 2009 is £6,920.51.

19. DEPUTY T.M. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES REGARDING THE ALLOCATED AREAS FOR STATES MEMBERS AT PIER ROAD CAR PARK:

Question

Given that since election I have only managed to find a spot within the allocated areas for States Members at Pier Road on three occasions; yet know that over that period most floors above the seventh have not once been full to even half capacity, would the Minister provide statistics illustrating up to what extent capacity at Pier Road is regularly taken.

What consideration, if any, would the Minister give to moving all Members' parking to Pier Road or Green Street?

Answer

Pier Road is the one long stay car park in St Helier that regularly has spaces available with about 300 free spaces at 9.00am although this reduces to about 200 by 2.00pm. The spare capacity in Pier Road has been taken into account in assessing the requirement for replacement spaces when Esplanade Square is developed and will also be important when other car parks, such as Gas Place, are taken out of the parking stock, be it for a short term or longer.

Pier Road currently caters for those States members not allocated spaces in the preferred car parks of Snow Hill and Sand Street which are situated within easier reach of the States Chamber and other States offices. Green Street does not have spare capacity and is often full by 9.00am. I would have no issue with allocating all States members spaces in Pier Road, excepting for those members who have difficulty walking that distance, as it will free up valuable spaces in two very well used shoppers car parks.

20. DEPUTY T.M. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SPORT AND CULTURE  REGARDING THE  SUMMER  STUDENT INTERNSHIP SCHEME:

Question

Would the Minister advise –

1. how many students applied for a place on the Summer student internship scheme;
2. how many of these were successful;
3. how many successful applicants were from Hautlieu, Jersey College for Girls, Victoria College, De La Salle, Beaulieu, Highlands, Le Rocquier, Haute Vallée, Les Quennevais and Grainville;

4. whether selection is purely down tothe employers or is this impacted to any degree by who sends out the students' CVs?

Answer

The internship scheme is for current undergraduate students and is run by the Economic Development Department. Students can apply by sending in their CV's.

1. 149 students applied for the scheme.
2. 21 students subsequently withdrew their applications because they found employment through other means.
3. 80 students were successful in gaining internships, representing 63% of students who applied.
4. As students are currently in higher education, no record is keptof their place ofsecondary education.
5. Recruitment decisions rest with the employers, following an initial short listing of candidates by Jersey Enterprise. This short listing is based on the following criteria:

- the dates students are available to work;

- placement duration as set out by employer;

- skills and experience required as set out on the registration form;

- the students' skills, interests and experience as stated on their CVs and application forms.

From this shortlist, employers interview and select the student they wish to recruit.

In some instances, where a student has made a direct approach, employers have selected independently.

21. DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY REGARDING REDUNDANCIES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR:

Question

Will the Minister inform members what data he has on the number of redundancies that have been declared by employers in the private sector –

1. in 2008
2. in 2009 to date

and state how such data is gathered?

Will he further advise what these figures, taken in conjunction with the overall employment figures, indicate about the depth and duration of the recession?

Answer Employers

There is currently no requirement for employers to notify the Department of redundancies.

However, the Employment (Amendment no.5) (Jersey) Law introduces a number of legal rights regarding redundancy into existing employment legislation. This amendment was approved by the States on 1st April 2009 (P.27) and is due to be in force next year. Article 60N states:

"60N Notifying the Minister

(1) An employer proposing to dismiss as redundant 6 or more employees within a period of 90 days or less shall notify the Minister in writing of that proposal before giving notice to terminate an employee's contract of employment in respect of any of those dismissals, and at least 30 days before the first of those dismissals takes effect."

Employees

There is no legal requirement for individuals to register with the Social Security Department if they are made redundant. There are two reasons why individuals would choose to register with the Department when they have been made redundant. A redundant employee can apply for unemployment credits. These credits are used to maintain the contribution record of the individual whist they are not working. Credits are not available to those who accept voluntary redundancy packages.

Individuals will also register if they require Income Support to supplement their household income. There are a number of eligibility conditions for income support, including residence in Jersey for at least 5 years.

Not all individuals will register with the Department – for example, if the redundant employee finds new employment in a relatively short period of time, they may not need unemployment credits. If they have a partner still in work, they may not qualify for Income Support.

Taking these factors into consideration, 307 individuals registered with the Department during 2008 following redundancy. Until 14/10/2009, 617 individuals have registered for the same reason so far in 2009. These total may include some individuals who have experienced more than one redundancy – each period of redundancy (in excess of 7 days) is counted in these figures.

Analysis

These figures alone tell us very little regarding either the depth or likely duration of the recession.

The figures give us a retrospective view of the numbers of people registering as having been made redundant, but far from a complete view of the total number of individuals actively seeking work, given the voluntary nature of the registration process in Jersey. There is no way currently of knowing how many other people - not registering - there are looking for work for example, therefore redundancy figures only indicate the behaviour of a certain set of companies, actively cutting their workforce at any point in time.

Representing only a snapshot in time, and giving no indication of the extent of job creation in the economy, redundancy figures therefore cannot be used either to comment on where the economy is in terms of the overall cycle, or alternatively forecast for how much further into the future, any economic downturn might continue.

When combined with the other information on labour market performance – that employment and vacancies are down in the year to June, those actively seeking work has increased (as has the length of time they are out of work) there is a consistent picture of a weakening labour market. Although the labour market tends to be a lagging indicator of economic performance the trends overall are consistent with the economic outlook forecast by the Economics Unit earlier in the year of a two year downturn with real GVA falling -4% in 2009 and -2% in 2010.

22. DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY REGARDING THE IMPACT OF THE WITHDRAWAL OF TRANSITION PAYMENTS ON INCOME SUPPORT LEVELS:

Question

Will the Minister give members further information on the impact of the withdrawal of transition payments on Income Support levels on families, especially on the accommodation component (the replacement for rent rebate/abatement) following the refusal of the Minister for Housing to do so when asked on 30th June this year?

Answer

Following an oral question from Deputy de Sousa to the Minister for Housing on the now-defunct rent rebate scheme on 30th June, Deputy Southern requested information from the Minister for Housing on the Income Support system. As the Minister for Housing has no responsibility for Income Support, he was unable to provide that information.

Detailed information on protected (transitional) payments was provided to Deputy Southern on 16th June in the answer to written question 4590. Since that time, I can now confirm that protected payments will remain in force at their current rate of 100% until 30th September 2010, following the approval by the Minister for Treasury and Resources, of the Economic Stimulus bid made earlier this year.

The accommodation component is an element of the Income Support system and the phased removal of protected payments will have no impact on the entitlement of families to the accommodation component.

23. DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR TREASURY AND RESOURCES REGARDING REPRESENTATION ON THE STEERING GROUP FOR THE FISCAL STRATEGY REVIEW:

Question

Will the Minister consider wider representation and involvement of members on the Steering Group for the Fiscal Strategy Review announced on 9th October 2009?

Answer Yes.

24. DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES REGARDING WORKING HOURS AMONGST HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES PROFESSIONALS:

Question

Given that in her response to my written question of 6th October 2009, the Minister stated that "she had no evidence of professionals working in excess of 100 hours per week due to staff shortages", will the Minister inform members what data she has of working hours amongst Health and Social professionals and, if none, will she undertake to conduct an investigation of actual working hours by her staff and report the findings to members within 6 weeks?

Will the Minister state why the EU working time directive (EUWTD)  is not currently under consideration by the Sustainable Hospital Project for those other than trainee doctors and state whether she will now place reconsideration of the EUWTD on her agenda?

Answer

Data is held on all Health and Social Services staff in relation to their contracted hours and the overtime that they may have worked for a given period. It is from this source that it is technically possible to ascertain the length of the working week for given individuals. It should, however, be noted that this would be a complicated task that would require significant resources to undertake.

The rotas for Trainee Doctors are compliant with the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) as this group of staff is employed on a rotational programme that is managed by the Wessex Deanery. It is a requirement for participation in this rotation that all relevant rotas are compliant with the EWTD.

All other staff, including non-trainee Doctors, Nurses and those Professions Allied to Medicine, are employed by the States Employment Board. Working hours for these staff are compliant with Jersey Employment Law. There is currently no legal requirement in Jersey to comply with the EWTD for these staff groups.

The Sustainable Hospital Project has explored issues in relation to the potential implementation of EWTD compliant rotas for medical staff, other than trainee doctors. It identified that such a move would require the recruitment of a significant number of additional doctors and this would incur very significant resource implications. Furthermore the recruitment of additional doctors would potentially dilute the content of their jobs to such an extent as to make them less attractive to good calibre recruits and would also reduce the training opportunities that they would otherwise be exposed to.

25. DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SPORT AND CULTURE REGARDING APPRENTICESHIPS OVER THE PAST 5 YEARS IN THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS:

Question

Will the Minister give members data on the numbers and funding of apprenticeships over the past 5 years in the private and public sectors, as he undertook to do on 13th July 2009?

Answer

The Apprenticeship scheme currently falls under the remit of the Economic Development Department. However, as one of the Ministers responsible for the Skills Executive, I can provide the following information:

Year Number of Apprenticeships 2004-2005 112

2005-2006 106 2006-2007 109 2007-2008  57 2008-2009  48 2009-2010  45*

* As applications are accepted until 1st April 2010 (for the 2009/2010 academic year) numbers may be higher.

The cost of the scheme is approximately £2000 per apprentice per year.

26. THE  DEPUTY  OF ST.  MARY  OF  THE  MINISTER  FOR  ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REGARDING RGE CRITERIA BUILT INTO THE REGULATION OF UNDETAKINGS  AND DEVELOPMENT  LAW AT ITS  INCEPTION  ON 1ST JANUARY 1974:

Question

Following from the Minister's written answer on 6th October 2009, can he inform members of the criteria which were built into the Regulation of Undertakings Law at its inception on 1st January 1974?

Answer

The Regulation of Undertakings and Developments (Jersey) Law, 1973, at its inception, stated:

"In deciding whether to grant a licence, to impose conditions, or to refuse to grant a licence, the Committee shall have particular regard to the economic situation of the Island"

27. THE  DEPUTY  OF  ST.  MARY  OF  THE  MINISTER  FOR  TREASURY  AND RESOURCES  REGARDING  THE  PROGRESSIVENESS  IUN  THE  TAX  AND BENEFIT SYSTEM:

Question

Could  the  Minister  advise  what  studies,  if  any,  have  been  done  to  investigate  the  exact progressiveness in the tax and benefit system and where these studies may be found?

Answer

As part of the previous Fiscal Strategy review there was a great deal of research done on the tax system and alternative policy options. It is all available on the Treasury and Resources website at http://www.gov.je/TreasuryResources/Tax/TaxProposals. In particular the document P44 Fiscal Strategy Report and Proposition contains detailed distributional analysis of the tax system in appendix 1.

28. DEPUTY R.G. LE HÉRISSIER OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES REGARDING THE CALL-OUT RATES FOR TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES STAFF:

Question

What are the call out rates for Transport and Technical Services staff to attend incidents such as roadside spills and how are these rates calculated?

Answer

Transport and Technical Services call out rates are as follows

Week day call out during normal working hours – (Monday to Thursday From 06.00hrs till 16.00hrs and Friday from 06.00hrs till 13.00hrs)

Standard Charge £ 128.00

The standard charge is based on 2 hours for 2 men plus a vehicle.

Week day call out outside of normal working hours – (Monday to Thursday from 16.00hrs till 06.00hrs and Friday from 13.00hrs till 24.00hrs)

Standard Charge £ 330.00

The standard charge is based on a minimum call out of 4 hours for 2 men and a vehicle based on the standard overtime rate of time and a half

Weekend call out – (Friday from 24.00hrs until 06.00hrs Monday) Standard Charge £ 440.00 (minimum call out 4 hours)

The standard charge is based on a minimum call out of 4 hours for 2 men and a vehicle based on the standard overtime rate of double time

The minimum four hour call out for out of hours and weekend attendance is determined by the Manual Workers Joint Council - Constitution and Schedule of Wages and Working Conditions.

29. DEPUTY R.G. LE HÉRISSIER OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SPORT AND CULTURE REGARDING THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS NOT COMPETENT IN LITERACY AND NUMERACY SKILLS:

Question

What was the actual number per school (also expressed as a percentage of the year entry) of students entering the 11-14 secondary schools this last September who were not adjudged competent in literacy and numeracy skills?

Answer

National Curriculum Level 4, based on teacher assessment, is the expected level of attainment for pupils completing their primary education. In July 2009:

72% achieved level 4 and above in English – 28% achieved below this

73% achieved level 4 and above in Mathematics – 27% achieved below this These results are broadly in line with a normally distributed population.

The numbers and percentage of pupils entering the four 11-16 secondary schools with levels of attainment which are below level 4 were as follows:

School English Mathematics

No. of Pupils % of Total Year No. of % of Total

Entry Pupils Year Entry

Grainville 47 4.5% 43 4.1% Haute Vallée 70 6.7% 59 5.7% Le Rocquier 70 6.7% 67 6.5%

Les Quennevais 51 4.9% 52 5%

These figures include pupils with additional and special needs who are fully integrated into secondary education in accordance with the department's policy for inclusion.

Additional Information:

41% of 2009 secondary intake entered fee-paying schools.

All pupils entering Victoria College and JCG achieved Level 4 or above in English and Mathematics.

30. DEPUTY S. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES REGARDING THE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF HER ASSISTANT MINISTERS:

Question

Would the Minister inform States Members what qualifications and experience her Assistant Ministers possess, which led to her decision to choose them for this role?

Answer

I am delighted to have this opportunity to publicly express the confidence that I have in both of my Assistant Ministers. One of my first tasks, upon being elected as Minister for Health and Social Services, was to ensure that I secured a broad and balanced Ministerial team that could work with me on a number of important tasks.

I was delighted that Deputy Judy Martin was prepared to continue the excellent work that she had already begun, under my immediate predecessor, in bringing strong and effective Political leadership to Social Services and the Children's' services in particular. Deputy Martin is an experienced and well respected member of this House and I continue to be impressed with her grasp of the often complex issues that are involved in leading this important element of our business in a time of change and transition. Furthermore she has real rapport with this important client group and an understanding of many of the challenges that they can face and her ability to represent them is a real asset to my Ministerial team.

In choosing Deputy Edward Noel as my other Assistant Minister I was keen to exploit his business skills and experience gained before he was elected to the House last autumn. He has a professional background ideally suited to meeting some of the very considerable challenges that my team face in securing and effectively managing the resources that will continue to be required to deliver the services that Islanders have come to expect and often require.

Deputy Noel also serves as Assistant Minister, Treasury and Resources, and the importance of the link that this provides between the largest spending department and the centre cannot be over- emphasized. Deputy Noel, notwithstanding his business acumen, also has a real understanding of the issues that many ordinary people face. His commitment to caring can best be exemplified by the first hand involvement that he and his wife have maintained in the local fostering service.

31. DEPUTY S. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REGARDING THE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF HIS ASSISTANT MINISTERS:

Question

Would the Minister inform States Members what qualifications and experience his Assistant Ministers possess, which led to his decision to choose them for this role?

Answer

Senator Paul Routier and Constable (formerly Senator) Len Norman are probably the most experienced members who I could have chosen to be my Assistant Ministers.

They have both served as Presidents of Committees and Senator Routier was a former Minister of Social Security.

I am delighted that they have both proven to be committed Assistant Ministers who have discharged their responsibilities with considerable expertise.

If the Deputy would like to know their full educational qualifications and business experience then she might like to contact them directly.

32. DEPUTY S. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY REGARDING THE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF HIS ASSISTANT MINISTERS:

Question

Would the Minister inform States Members what qualifications and experience his Assistant Minister possesses, which led to his decision to choose her for this role?

Answer

As the Deputy is aware an individual requires no formal educational qualifications or practical experience in order to run for or be elected to political office.

The appointment or election to other offices within government can be based upon a variety of factors – not least of which might be a natural interest in a particular field.

My Assistant Minister has a lifetimes experience within the caring sector, both hands on and in management roles. This made her an ideal choice as my Assistant Minister at Social Security and I take this opportunity to thank her for her hard work and support.

Should the Deputy wish to know my Assistant Ministers educational qualifications and details of her varied work experience then I suggest she contact her directly.

33. DEPUTY S. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SPORT AND CULTURE REGARDING THE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF HIS ASSISTANT MINISTERS:

Question

Would the Minister inform States Members what qualifications and experience his Assistant Ministers possess, which led to his decision to choose them for this role?