States Minutes 2nd March 1982

THE STATES assembled on Tuesday, 2nd March, 1982 at 10.15 a.m. under the Presidency of the Bailiff , Sir Frank Ereaut.

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All members were present with the exception of –

Senator Bernard Thomas Binnington – out of the Island. Winter Poignand Le Marquand, Connétable of St. Peter – ill.

Leonard James Norman, Connétable of St. Saviour – out of the Island.

William John Morvan, Connétable of St. Lawrence – out of the Island.

Michael Walter Bonn, Deputy of St. Peter – out of the Island.

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Prayers. _____

Visit of the North Atlantic Assembly Standing Committee.

The Bailiff referred to the visit of the Standing Committee of the  North  Atlantic  Assembly  at  the  end  of  March,  1982,  and reminded the Members that a special Sitting of the States was to be held on Saturday, 27th March, 1982, at 5.00 p.m. followed by a reception.

Subordinate legislation tabled.

The  following  enactments  were  laid  before  the  States, namely –

1. Amendment  (No. 3)  to the  Tariff of  Harbour  and Light Dues. R & O.7017.

53  [ Price : 50p.]

2. Public Rank Taxis (Fares and Charges) (Amendment No. 2) (Jersey) Order, 1982. R & O.7018.
3. Road Traffic (Saint Ouen) (Amendment No. 3) (Jersey) Order, 1982. R & O.7019.

Regulation of Undertakings and Development: Report for 1981. R.C.4.

The Finance and Economics Committee, by Act dated 24th February, 1981, presented to the States a Report for 1981 on applications dealt with under the Regulation of Undertakings and Development (Jersey) Law, 1973, as amended.

THE STATES ordered that the said Report be printed and distributed.

Report of the Maincrop Potato Marketing Board Enquiry. R.C.5.

The Agriculture and Fisheries Committee, by Act dated 24th February, 1982, presented to the States the Report of the Maincrop Potato Marketing Board Enquiry.

THE STATES ordered that the said Report be printed and distributed.

Contingencies vote of credit – Education Committee.

THE STATES noted an Act of the Finance and Economics Committee dated 24th February, 1982, informing the House that it had made available to the Education Committee out of its Contingencies vote of credit the sum of £6,300 for the appointment of one additional Child Care Officer.

Matters noted – land transactions.

THE STATES noted an Act of the Finance and Economics Committee dated 24th February, 1982, showing that, in pursuance of Standing Orders relating to certain transactions in land, the Committee had approved –

1. as recommended by the Housing Committee, the sale toTheJersey Electricity Company Limited of the Electricity Sub-Station and site, measuring approximately 480 square feet, as shown outlined in green on Drawing No. HC/1210/2, serving Phase II of the Gorey Village Development Scheme, for a nominal sum of £1 plus the payment of all legal expenses, together with the right to lay cables from Gorey Village Main Road and Rue des Maltières, Grouville , across the Gorey Village Development Scheme;
2. as recommended by the Harbours and Airport Committee, the leasing to Sea Express (C.I.) Limited of 400 square feet of office accommodation on the Albert Pier, Port of St. Helier , for a period of three years with effect from 1st January, 1982, at an annual rent of £1,300, representing a rate of £3.25 a square foot a year;
3. as recommended by the Housing Committee, the passing of a Contrat de Bornement with Mr. Francis Ian Ralph Eric Mills and Mrs. Rachel Margaret Jane Mills, née Christie, to agree a boundary between Field 141, Grouville , and the Gorey Village Development Phase I, Grouville , the Committee to be responsible for the payment of legal fees.

Matters lodged.

The following subjects were lodged "au Greffe" –

1. Parish Relief: Transfer of Responsibility for Payment. P.23/82.

Presented by Deputy Richard Francis O'Connor of St. Clement .

2. 10 & 21, Duhamel Place: Approval of Plans. P.24/82. Presented by the Housing Committee. The States decided to take this subject into consideration on 16th March, 1982.
3. 5A & 5B, Windsor Road: Approval of Plans. P.25/82. Presented by the Housing Committee. The States decided to take this subject into consideration on 16th March, 1982.
4. Don Farm, Low Energy Housing: Approval of Plans. P.26/82.

Presented by the Housing Committee. The States decided to take this subject into consideration on 16th March, 1982.

5. Gorey Village Development: Writing off of abnormal site costs. P.27/82.

Presented by the Housing Committee. The States decided to take this subject into consideration on 16th March, 1982.

6. Overseas Trade Promotions by Local Industry: Financial Assistance. P.28/82.

Presented by the Finance and Economics Committee. The States decided to take this subject into consideration on 30th March, 1982.

7. Queen's Valley: Roads and Land. P.29/82.

Presented by the Public Works Committee. The States decided to take this subject into consideration on 30th March, 1982.

The following subjects were lodged "au Greffe" on 23rd February, 1982 –

8. Draft Service of Process of Taking of Evidence (Amendment) (Jersey) Law, 198 . P.21/82.

Presented by the Legislation Committee.

9. Projet de Loi accordant un Acte d'Incorporation à l'Association dite "The Jersey Heritage Trust". P.22/82.

Presented by the Legislation Committee.

Projet de Règlements (198 ) sur les frais des levées de corps. P.2/82.

THE STATES acceded to the request of the President of the Public Health Committee that the Projet de Règlements (198 ) sur les frais des levées de corps (P.2/82 – lodged on 19th January, 1982) be considered at the present Sitting.

Projet de Loi (198 ) (Amendement) sur les levées de corps. P.3/82.

THE STATES acceded to the request of the President of the Public Health Committee that the Projet de Loi (198 ) (Amendement) sur les levees de corps (P.3/82 – lodged on 19th January, 1982) be considered at the present Sitting.

Finance Centre Activities. P.126/81 – withdrawn.

THE STATES acceded to the request of Senator Richard Joseph Shenton that the Proposition regarding Finance Centre Activities (P.126/81 – lodged on 3rd November, 1981 and set down for debate on 9th March, 1982) be withdrawn.

Jersey Heritage Trust: Act of Incorporation. P.86/81.

THE  STATES  acceded  to  the  request of Senator Reginald Robert Jeune that the Proposition regarding the Jersey Heritage Trust: Act of Incorporation (P.86/81 – lodged on 28th July, 1981) be considered on 16th March, 1982.

Retirement age of employed males. P.4/82.

THE STATES decided to defer consideration of the Proposition and amendment of Deputy Terence John Le Main of St. Helier regarding the Retirement age of employed males (P.4/82 – lodged on 19th January, 1982 and P.9/82 – lodged on 26th January, 1982) from 9th March, 1982 to 16th March, 1982.

Entry charges to Fort Regent. Question and Answer.

Senator John Stephen Rothwell asked Deputy Brian Edward Troy of St. Saviour , President of the Fort Regent Development Committee, the following question –

"In view of all the efforts being made, following last year's poor season, to correct the impression that Jersey is getting too expensive as a holiday destination, would the President agree to his Committee reconsidering its proposals to increase entry charges to Fort Regent?"

The President of the Fort Regent Development Committee replied as follows –

"The provision and development of activities and exhibitions for tourists is one of the longstanding objectives of Fort Regent. It should therefore not be necessary to state that my Committee's policy is to support the Tourism Committee and the industry generally in their efforts to enhance and promote the industry. The Senator and I together with the relevant members of our respective administrations have already held one meeting and the Tourism Committee has made a formal tour of Fort Regent with the intention of entering into a full exchange of views at a joint Committee Meeting in the near future. Had the Senator taken the more usual step of first putting his question privately, I would not be in a position to say – as I do – that he has given inadequate consideration to what is now being proposed at Fort Regent.

Firstly, it is quite misleading to suggest that Fort Regent is simply increasing its prices, as the basis for entering the Fort has been changed with the specific objective of giving greater value for money to its users and not least to those on holiday, particularly families.

For example, a family of four entering Fort Regent in August, 1981, via the Cable Cars, in addition to enjoying the live entertainment, Costume Exhibition, Jersey Experience, Aquarium and other exhibitions, might have been expected to have a family game of mini- golf and one family ride involving two cars on the

dodgems, which would have cost them a total of £6.60. A swim would have brought this to £7.70. Now, in 1982, some twelve months later, they will be able to enjoy the same facilities and more, for example, our traditional Carousel Roundabout being newly introduced this year, as many times as they wish for the price of entry which will total £6.00.

I am sure the Senator and many Members of the House will know that the principle of making one aggregate charge at the point of entry to several facilities is one that has proved extremely popular at other venues outside the Island and indeed here at Fort Regent since it was first introduced several years ago. The present proposals are merely an extension of that basic principle.

My Committee is satisfied that the proposed price levels compare favourably with those charged elsewhere with which our tourists might be expected to be familiar and, in any event, represent very good value for money.

One final point I should make is that in the Fort Regent Policy Report to be debated in a Committee of the Whole House in two weeks' time, it is stated that my Committee believes that it is charged with:–

the provision of a range of attractions and facilities particularly aimed at the tourist for which, once established, there should be no need for the States to provide a subsidy'.

At the present time, the tourist operations at the Fort make an operating surplus but if Members wish my Committee to disregard commercial considerations and instead to subsidise the tourist operations, doubtless they will take the opportunity of so stating during the forthcoming Debate."

Appointment of a lawyer at Police Headquarters. Questions and Answer.

Deputy Terence John Le Main of St. Helier asked Senator John William Ellis, President of the Defence Committee, the following questions –

"1. Would the President please inform the House if and why

a qualified lawyer is not employed at Police Headquarters to help the Law Officers of the Crown in their overburdened task?

2. Does the President not agree that in the interests of justice and in view of the concern shown by the Law Officers of the Crown such an appointment ought to be made?
3. Does the President agree that if a lawyer was appointed it would save many man hours now being done by policemen who could be doing the job they are there for, to be on the beat?"

The President of the Defence Committee gave notice that he would reply to these questions on 16th March, 1982.

Professional wrestling at Fort Regent. Questions and Answers.

Deputy Terence John Le Main of St. Helier asked Deputy Brian Edward Troy of St. Saviour , President of the Fort Regent Development Committee, the following questions –

"1. In view of the large financial losses being incurred by

Fort Regent, which seem to be increasing year by year, and having regard to the demand by people in general, would the President consider having professional wrestling at the Fort?

2. Would he not agree that this could and would be of great financial advantage to Fort Regent and Jersey tourism?
3. Taking into account the number of unsavoury X-rated sex films which are shown in local cinemas and the concern expressed by individuals and organisations, would he agree that the provision of professional wrestling at the Fort would not only be financially beneficial to the Fort and tourism in general, but would also provide suitable entertainment for family audiences?"

The President of the Fort Regent Development Committee replied as follows –

"1. The Deputy has referred to the financial losses of Fort

Regent and I am glad of the opportunity to state that whilst such costs are, of course, always being monitored by the Committee and ways sought to minimise them, nevertheless the Committee is confident that the vast majority of Islanders accept that it is inevitable that the provision of sports and swimming facilities will involve a net annual cost. Members may recall that the Fort's other operations produce a surplus of income over expenditure and this is used to reduce the net cost of the sports and swimming amenities. The Deputy may well be quite right in suggesting that there is a demand for the provision of professional wrestling at the Fort and consideration has been given to having such an attraction on several occasions.

2. I agree that this could be of financial advantage to Fort Regent and be popular with Tourists.
3. Whether properly run professional wrestling would provide suitable entertainment for family audiences is a matter for personal opinion. The decision whether or not to do so does not lie within the discretion of my Committee but alike with all Public Entertainment is subject to the approval of the Bailiff and although applications have been made to his office as yet no such approval has been forthcoming."

Lease to Jersey Shipping Limited of accommodation on the New North Quay.

THE STATES, adopting a Proposition of the Harbours and Airport Committee –

1. approved the lease to Jersey Shipping Limited of 3,160 sq.ft. of warehouse accommodation situated on the New North Quay, St. Helier , for a period of three years with effect from 1st February, 1982, at an annual rent of £5,372, representing a rate of £1.70 a square foot a year;

2. authorised the Greffier of the States to sign the necessary agreement;
3. authorised the Treasurer of the States to receive the rent as it became due.

A.I.P.L.F. – Reconstitution of the Executive Committee of the Jersey Branch.

THE STATES, adopting a Proposition and amendment of Senator Ralph Vibert , agreed that the Executive Committee of the Jersey Branch of the Association Internationale des Parlementaires de Langue Française, should be reconstituted as follows –

Senator Ralph Vibert , O.B.E., Chairman, Senator Reginald Robert Jeune , O.B.E., Senator Pierre François Horsfall,

John Philip Pirouet, Connétable of St. Ouen , Philip George Mourant, Deputy of St. Helier , David John de la Haye, Deputy of St. Ouen , Jean Amy Le Maistre, Deputy of St. Helier , Edgar John Becquet, Deputy of Trinity .

Jersey New Waterworks Company Limited: acquisition of controlling interest.

THE STATES, adopting a Proposition of Senator Richard Joseph Shenton, requested the Finance and Economics Committee to submit to the States a comprehensive report as to whether, having regard to the needs of the Island, it would be desirable for the States to acquire a controlling interest in the shareholding of the Jersey New Waterworks Company Limited and, if so, to make recommendations as to how that interest should best be acquired.

Amendment to the Proposition regarding Jersey New Waterworks Company Limited: acquisition of controlling interest. P.76/81 – withdrawn.

THE STATES acceded to the request of the President of the Finance and Economics Committee to withdraw that Committee's proposed Proposition (P.76/81 – lodged 23rd June, 1981) regarding the acquisition of a controlling interest in the Jersey New Waterworks Company Limited.

Bashford's Nurseries: Approval of Plans.

THE STATES, adopting a Proposition of the Housing Committee –

1. approved Drawings Nos. 235/21, 51(A), 60(A), 66-69, L.1(B), L.2(A), L.3-14, L.15(A), L.18(B), L.19(A), L.22(B), L.23(B), L.26(A), L.27(A), L.28(A), L.29, L.32, L.33(B), L.34(A), L.161 showing the development of Phase I of the Bashford's Nurseries Development;
2. approved Drawings Nos. 235/52(A), 55(C), 61(A), 64(A), 67(A), 70(A), L.37(A), L.38(A), L.41, L.42(A), L.43(A), L.44-46, L.47(A) and L.48-70 showing the development of Phase 2 of the Bashford's Nurseries Development, St. Saviour ;
3. authorised the Greffier of the States to sign the said Drawings on behalf of the States.

Road Traffic (No. 23) (Jersey) Regulations, 1982.

THE STATES, in pursuance of the powers conferred on them by the Order in Council of the twenty-sixth day of December, 1851 and by Article 49 of the Road Traffic (Jersey) Law, 1956, as amended, made Regulations entitled the Road Traffic (No. 23) (Jersey) Regulations, 1982.

Règlements (1982) sur les frais des levées de corps.

THE STATES, by virtue of Article 6 of the Loi (1880) sur les levées de corps, as amended, made Regulations entitled the Règlements (1982) sur les frais des levées de corps.

Loi (1982) (Amendement) sur les levées de corps.

THE STATES, subject to the sanction of Her Most Excellent Majesty in Council, adopted a Law entitled the Loi (1982) (Amendement) sur les levées de corps.

THE STATES rose at 11.30 a.m.

R.S. GRAY, Deputy Greffier of the States.