States Minutes 6th July 1999

THE STATES assembled on Tuesday,

6th July 1999 at 9.30 a.m. under the Presidency of Geoffrey Henry Charles Coppock, Esquire, Greffier of the States

All members were present with the exception of-

Senator Frank Harris on Walker - out of the Island

Senator Wendy Kinnard - out of the Island

Senator Jeremy Laurence Dorey - ill

Malcolm Pollard, Connétable of St. Peter - ill

Shirley Margaret Baudains, Deputy of St. Helier - ill

Margaret Anne Le Geyt, Deputy of St. Saviour - excused Robin Charles Hacquoil, Deputy of St. Peter - out of the Island

Prayers

Distinguished visitor - welcome

The President welcomed to the States Mrs. Maureen Rooney, O.B.E., National Officer of the Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union.

Subordinate legislation tabled

The following enactments were laid before the States, namely-

Health Insurance (Pharmaceutical Benefit) (General Provisions) (Amendment No.  12) (Jersey) Order 1999. R &  O 9414.

Road Traffic (Saint Brelade) (Amendment No.  9) (Jersey) Order 1999. R  &  O 9415.

Matters presented

The following matters were presented to the States-

Ecology Fund: report for 1998 - R.C.26/99.

Presented by the Planning and Environment Committee.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Board: report for 1998 - R.C.27/99.

Presented by the Defence Committee.

Committee of Inquiry: Beauvoir, Trinity - report - R.C.28/99.

Presented by the Committee of Inquiry.

Committees of the States: reorganisation - Industries Committee (P.94/99): comments - P.94/99 Com.

Presented by the Establishment Committee.

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

Training and Employment Partnership: 1998 annual report.

Presented by the Employment and Social Security Committee. Committee of Inquiry: Beauvoir, Trinity

The President informed the Assembly that the Committee of Inquiry established to investigate fully all the circumstances whereby a development at Beauvoir, Rue de la Croiserie, Trinity was permitted, having presented its report to the States, had fulfilled the functions laid upon it by the States and was therefore discharged. The President, on behalf of members of the States, thanked the members of the Committee of Inquiry for their service.

Matters noted- land transactions

THE STATES noted an Act of the Finance and Economics Committee dated 28th June 1999 recording the following decisions of the Treasurer of the States under delegated powers, in pursuance of Standing Orders relating to certain transactions in land -

1. as recommended by the Sport, Leisure and Recreation Committee, the lease to Les Mielles Tennis Club of the clubhouse and playing courts at the Les Quennevais Sports Ground, St. Brelade , for a period of 25 years from 1st May 1997, at an annual rent of £3,656 subject to annual review on 1st May in line with the Jersey Retail Price s Index, with the lessor to be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the courts, and the lessee being responsible for the maintenance and repair of the interior and exterior of the clubhouse, and the maintenance of all sanitary fittings, on the basis that each party would be responsible for its own legal fees arising from the transaction;
2. as recommended by the Tourism Committee, the lease to Mrs. Linda Culkin, née Munroe, of the property known as First Tower Kiosk, St. Helier , for a period of three years from 25th December 1997, at an annual rent of £4,984 subject to annual review in line with the Jersey Retail Price s Index, on the basis that each party would be responsible for its own legal fees.

Matters lodged

The following matters were lodged "au Greffe" -

Draft Fees (Miscellaneous Amendments and Validation) (Jersey) Law 199 - P.88/99. Presented by the Finance and Economics Committee.

Draft Post Office (Amendment No. 2) (Jersey) Law 199 - P.89/99.

Presented by the Committee for Postal Administration.

Draft Telecommunications (Amendment No.  3) (Jersey) Law 199 - P.90/99.

Presented by the Telecommunications Board.

Draft Sea Fisheries (Trawling, Netting and Dredging) (Jersey) Regulations 199 - P.91/99.

Presented by the Agriculture and Fisheries Committee.

St. Helier Waterfront leisure complex: terms of lease - P.92/99. Presented by the Policy and Resources Committee.

Strategic Reserve: allocation of funds to Tourism Investment Fund - P.93/99. Presented by the Finance and Economics Committee.

Committees of the States: reorganisation - Industries Committee - P.94/99.

Presented by the Policy and Resources Committee.

Field 961, St. Mary (part of): rezoning for an interim extension of La Gigoulande Quarry - P.95/99.

Presented by the Planning and Environment Committee.

Draft Firearms (Jersey) Law 199 - P.96/99.

Presented by the Defence Committee.

Draft Health Insurance (Medical Benefit) (Amendment No. 50) (Jersey) Regulations 199 - P.97/99.

Presented by the Employment and Social Security Committee.

Mrs. Sharon J. Ozouf : g' category housing consent - P.98/99.

Presented by Deputy T.J. Le Main of St. Helier .

Cycle Registration Scheme (P.86/99): amendments - P.99/99.

Presented by Deputy G.C.L. Baudains of St. Clement .

Draft Sea Fisheries (Inshore Trawling, Netting and Dredging) (Jersey) Regulations 199 - P.100/99. Presented by the Agriculture and Fisheries Committee.

Public access to official information: code of practice (P.38/99) - second amendments - P.101/99. Presented by the Special Committee on Freedom of Information.

Public access to official information: code of practice (P.38/99) - third amendments - P.102/99.

Presented by the Deputy of St. Martin .

Arrangement of public business for the next meeting on 20th July 1999

THE STATES confirmed that the following matters lodged "au Greffe" would be considered at the next meeting on 20th July 1999 -

Draft Conservation of Wildlife (Jersey) Law 199 : third reading- P.87/99. Lodged in second reading: 29th June 1999.

Planning and Environment Committee.

Public access to official information: code of practice - P.38/99. Lodged: 16th March 1999.

Special Committee on Freedom of Information.

Public access to official information: code of practice (P.38/99) - amendments - P.47/99. Lodged: 13th April 1999.

Senator S. Syvret.

Public access to official information: code of practice (P.38/99) - second amendments - P.101/99. Lodged: 6th July 1999.

Special Committee on Freedom of Information.

Public access to official information: code of practice (P.38/99) - third amendments - P.102/99. Lodged: 6th July 1999.

Deputy of St. Martin .

Public access to official information: code of practice (P.38/99) - comments - P.38/99 Com. Presented: 27th April 1999.

Establishment Committee.

Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: grant and loan. - P.85/99. Lodged: 22nd June 1999.

Finance and Economics Committee.

Draft Fees (Miscellaneous Amendments and Validation) (Jersey) Law 199 - P.88/99. Lodged: 6th July 1999.

Finance and Economics Committee.

Draft Post Office (Amendment No. 2) (Jersey) Law 199 - P.89/99. Lodged: 6th July 1999.

Committee for Postal Administration.

Draft Telecommunications (Amendment No. 3) (Jersey) Law 199 - P.90/99. Lodged: 6th July 1999.

Telecommunications Board.

Draft Sea Fisheries (Trawling, Netting and Dredging) (Jersey) Regulations 199 - P.91/99. Lodged: 6th July 1999.

Agriculture and Fisheries Committee.

Draft Health Insurance (Medical Benefit) (Amendment No. 50) (Jersey) Regulations 199 - P.97/99. Lodged: 6th July 1999.

Employment and Social Security Committee.

Mrs. Sharon J. Ozouf : g' category housing consent - P.98/99. Lodged: 6th July 1999.

Deputy T.J. Le Main of St. Helier .

Draft Sea Fisheries (Inshore Trawling, Netting and Dredging) (Jersey) Regulations 199 - P.100/99. Lodged: 6th July 1999.

Agriculture and Fisheries Committee.

Additional meeting

THE STATES agreed to meet on 27th July 1999.

Publication of the Agriculture and Fisheries Committee's service review - question and answer (Tape No. 518)

Senator Stuart Syvret asked Deputy Harry Hall ewell Baudains of St. Clement , President of the Agriculture and Fisheries Committee, the following question -

"Would the President inform the Assembly if he is prepared to release an unexpurgated copy of the service review report recently received by the Committee to members of the States and to the public?"

The President of the Agriculture and Fisheries Committee replied as follows -

"I am unable to release a copy of the service review report for two reasons.

Firstly it is not yet completed and secondly, like all the other service reviews, it is prepared for the Policy and Resources Committee and not the Agriculture and Fisheries Committee and, as I have said repeatedly, it is for that Committee to decide what will be released and when.

This procedure is in line with the wishes of the Policy and Resources Committee and outlined in a letter we have received from Mr. G.C. Powell O.B.E., Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Policy and Resources Committee."

Publication of service review reports - question and answer (Tape No. 518)

Senator Stuart Syvret asked Senator Pierre François Horsfall, President of the Policy and Resources Committee, the following question -

"(a) would the President inform members whether the Committee has formulated a policy on the

publication of the service review reports in unexpurgated form?

(b) i f the answer to (a) is affirmative, would the President inform members of the Committee's policy and the reasons for it, and if the answer is negative, would he advise if the Committee intends to formulate a policy on the publication of the unexpurgated service review reports?"

The President of the Policy and Resources Committee replied as follows -

"(a) In general terms I can say that the answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.

(b) T he Committee's general policy regarding service reviews is that the top priority is to ensure that any action recommended by the consultants undertaking the service review is carried out. As Members will be aware from answers I have given to questions previously raised in this Assembly, my Committee is in the process of completing a report reviewing the outcome of the service reviews carried out to date and that report will shortly be presented to the States.

T he Committee expects the full report on a service review to be presented to it by the

consultants. Should the Committee that is the subject of review not be prepared to accept all the recommendations, the Policy and Resources Committee requires to know the reason why. This procedure will be followed in respect of the service review of the Agriculture and Fisheries Committee about which there has been recent media comment.

W hi le there is no general rule, the presumption is that it would be inappropriate to publish the

full service review reports in advance of an implementation plan being drawn up and full consultation having been carried out with those employees most directly affected by the recommendations. The Committee considers it to be most inappropriate for individual employees to learn of matters affecting them directly through open publication. The Committee believes it important that there should be proper regard for the interests of the individuals concerned and, in many cases, also their families.

O nce the implementation plan has been drawn up and the process of consultation has been

completed, the Committee is of the view that the full report should be made generally available. The Committee also welcomes the early publication of summary reports in the interim period providing they fairly represent the tenor and content of the full report. "

Remuneration of certain public employees - question and answer (Tape No. 518)

Senator Stuart Syvret asked the Deputy of Trinity , President of the Establishment Committee, the following question -

"Would the President identify the incumbents of the eight posts referred to in the States Financial Report and Accounts 1998, whose annual remuneration from the States (including pension costs) exceeded £100,000, and would he also inform members of the total remuneration received by each incumbent?"

The President of the Establishment Committee replied as follows -

"I trust that the Assembly and the Senator will understand that my Committee and I would prefer not to give the information in the form specifically requested by the Senator. Whilst, in our view, it would be unfair to the eight postholders concerned to single out their remuneration for publicity, more importantly the Committee is bound by individual agreements that the terms of employment are confidential. Furthermore, we believe that the remuneration of the most senior postholders should be seen in the context of the remuneration paid to all senior officers.

My Committee has for some time been considering how best to make public the remuneration of all senior officers of the public service. I intend to make a statement to the Assembly at the next sitting and at that time will make public in an appropriate form information which will address the issues raised in the question.

Members should be aware that, under the present principle of personal contracts, salaries are negotiated based on regular reviews of external comparability and internal relativity. Incumbents are not officially aware of the latter. Part of our dilemma in resolving the issue of whether or not, and how, to make public individual salaries is, (a) it could seriously undermine the Establishment Committee's position in personal negotiations given that agreements have been made which imply confidentiality, and, (b) it could result in difficulties in recruiting senior staff.

It is our intention in making the forthcoming statement to set out the Committee's strategy and plans for the next periodic review which is scheduled for 2000."

Foreign nationals taking driving tests - question and answer (Tape No. 518)

The Deputy of St. John asked Deputy Michael Adam Wavell of St. Saviour, President of the Defence Committee the following question -

"Would the President advise members -

1. i f it is the Committee's policy to require foreign nationals to take the written part of driving tests in English or is an opportunity provided for them to complete the written paper in their native language?
2. w hether or not foreign nationals are charged for a driving test at the same rate as English speaking candidates?"

The President of the Defence Committee replied as follows -

" ( a) There are two versions of the theory test papers - English and Portuguese.

O nl y t w o languages were translated because, in 1997, the nationalities of driving test candidates

were -

 B r it is h a nd I rish (English language) 2,185

 P or t ugue s e 1,275

 F re nch 7   O t he r E U 32  

 O t he r (U S A , C anada, S. Africa, etc.) 85

F rom t he figures it can be seen it is not cost effective to translate into languages other than English

or Portuguese.

A l l appl icants who cannot read English or Portuguese can have access to a bank of translators

through Highlands College which administers the tests.

( b ) Y es, driving tests costs are the same for all applicants."

Taxis and cabs - questions and answers (Tape No. 518)

The Deputy of St. John asked Deputy Michael Adam Wavell of St. Saviour, President of the Defence Committee, the following questions -

"1. Woul d the President advise members whether or not the Committee intends to keep the Driver

and Vehicles Standards Department under the authority of the Defence Committee or is it prepared to consider transferring the responsibility of this Department to the Public Services Committee?

2. W ould the President advise members what action is being taken to ensure that all issues relating to taxi/cab drivers such as complaints from the public are being investigated?"

The President of the Defence Committee replied as follows -

"1. Y  es, the Committee does intend to retain the Driver and Vehicle Standards Department under its

authority and has no immediate plans to consider further transferring the responsibility to the Public Services Committee.

2. O fficers of the department regularly visit taxi ranks and private hire depots and all complaints received from the public are thoroughly investigated with the result being documented. However complaints must be proven as everyone has a right to natural justice."

Jersey Field Squadron Royal Engineers - question and answer (Tape No. 158)

The Deputy of St. John asked Deputy Michael Adam Wavell of St. Saviour, President of the Defence Committee, the following question -

"Would the President inform members of the total number of officers and soldiers currently serving in the Jersey Field Squadron Royal Engineers and what would the number be if the Squadron was up to strength?"

The President of the Defence Committee replied as follows -

"The current number of officers and soldiers on the Squadron nominal roll is 87. There are also a further 12 men and women undergoing recruit training within the unit.

The aspiration is to recruit 130 all ranks, and over the last ten years a figure of 100 all ranks has been exceeded occasionally. The demographics of the Island's available woman/manpower (18 to 32 year olds) mean that this will always be a difficult target to reach and sustain.

There are a number of ongoing high profile initiatives, using C.T.V., radio and the J.E.P. to ensure sustainable recruitment including the possibility of offering Guernsey based Islanders the opportunity to serve.

12 (Air Support) Engineer Brigade, the Squadron's higher command, have always claimed that the Jersey Field Squadron is a valued component of 12 (Air Support) Engineer Brigade. They are capable of carrying out their role and they take their full place in our organisation for battle'.

The Ministry of Defence is the sole authority for ensuring that the Squadron is battleworthy' for its operational tasks at all times both individually and collectively. Since being declared fit for role in 1989 the Squadron has never failed to satisfy the requirements, including the manpower levels at which it operates."

Development of housing on the St. Helier Waterfront questions and answers - (Tape No. 158)

Deputy Gerard Clifford Lemmens Baudains of St. Clement asked Deputy Alan Breckon of St. Saviour , member of the Housing Committee, the following questions -

"In relation to the proposed housing development on reclaimed land west of the Albert Pier, would the Deputy advise members -

1. w hether the Committee is satisfied that the published plan of boat-shaped houses is the most appropriate design for this development given the extra expense likely to be required to construct, maintain and furnish houses of this shape?
2. o f the likely cost of this development in comparison with conventionally shaped housing?
3. w hat extra costs are likely as a result of building on uncompacted reclaimed land compared with other land?"

Deputy Alan Breckon of St. Saviour replied as follows -

"(a) The Committee has received a presentation from the Waterfront Enterprise Board Limited of

the proposed housing development on the site to the west of the Albert Pier and is satisfied that there will be little extra cost attributable to the curved design of some of the buildings. The Committee has also been satisfied by the Waterfront Enterprise Board that there will be no additional costs, when compared with conventionally shaped buildings, in regard to the maintenance or the furnishing of the curved buildings. All the buildings have been designed appropriately for what is an exposed site close to the sea.

2. A s already stated, the shape of the buildings will not add significantly to the cost of the project. However, it should be noted that this site is at a major gateway to the Island and has been designed accordingly with a number of distinctive features. The Waterfront Enterprise Board is currently involved in a study of the cost effectiveness of certain construction options, as well as carrying out a risk assessment exercise, for this development. A full report on the cost options will be presented to the Housing and the Finance and Economics Committees within the next few months.
3. W ith the exception of the removal of ash, there are no extraordinary costs anticipated as a result of building on the reclaimed land. The ash removal and disposal is likely to cost in the region of £150,000. With regard to foundations, these will mostly be piled and, therefore, similar in cost to the foundations required for this type of development on other land."

Development of an hotel and housing on the St. Helier Waterfront - questions and answers - (Tape No. 158)

Deputy Gerard Clifford Lemmens Baudains of St. Clement asked Senator Nigel Lewis Quérée, President of the Planning and Environment Committee, the following questions -

"1. I n relation to the proposed hotel on the St. Helier Waterfront would the President assure

members -

1. that when considering plans and applications for an hotel, the Committee will pay particular attention to foundations and siting, in order to prevent possible damage being caused by either subsidence or storms?
2. t hat once the principle and detailed design stages have been completed, he will make available details of the Committee's investigations into what effects the hotel may have on the surrounding area in relation to wind funnelling and light reflection?

2. Wi th regard to the proposed housing development west of the Albert Pier, would the President advise members -

( a ) w hat special measures will be required to ensure that the project is successful, given that

the site is uncompacted reclaimed land?

( b ) w hat assurances he can give about the design specifications, bearing in mind the exposure

of this site to wind, salt and pollution from both ships and electricity generation?

( c ) w hat provisions have been made in the plans to ensure the safety of children, bearing in

mind the close proximity of marinas and ports?"

The President of the Planning and Environment Committee replied as follows -

"1. A s I said in reply to similar questions two weeks ago, this is a current application and it would be inappropriate to comment on matters which might prejudice the Committee's decision.

1. I can confirm that these factors are considered as a matter of course when dealing with an application under the building bye-laws. A building of this size would in any case be founded on the underlying rock strata using piles.
2. A t the appropriate time, I see no reason not to advise the Deputy of our investigations and conclusions.

2. A gai n, this application is current, and has yet to be considered by the Committee.

1. T he application is for planning permission only at this stage, and foundation matters will be considered at the (later) building bye-law application stage.
2. I cannot give the Deputy any assurances about the design specifications. These are a matter for the developer, the architect and the building contractor.
3. I cannot say at this stage. We have yet to consider the application, which in any case, seeks to establish the design principles."

Development of an hotel on the St. Helier Waterfront - question and answer - (Tape No. 158)

Deputy Paul Vincent Francis Le Claire of St. Helier asked Senator John Stephen Rothwell, President of the Tourism Committee, the following question -

"Would the President inform members how much consultation has taken place between the Committee and hotel and guest house owners in relation to the proposed development of an hotel on the Waterfront?"

The President of the Tourism Committee replied as follows -

"I feel sure the Deputy will be aware that members of the Tourism Committee or its officers do not discuss the business plans of one hotelier with other hoteliers and guest house proprietors, unless given permission to do so.

Specific discussion on the proposal for an international 4 or 5 star conference hotel began 12 years ago and the development of two sites was one of several recommendations contained in Tourism's first five year Business Plan published in 1990. Hoteliers served on the consultancy group which made the recommendations, along with other members of the tourism industry.

In November 1992 the States approved development plans for the Waterfront which included the hotel. Therefore when the Waterfront Enterprise Board was established, part of its remit was to find a suitable company to build and operate the hotel. Serious interest was shown by 13 separate companies, including two local hotel groups. Crowne Plaza emerged as the "preferred" franchise.

The Jersey Hotel and Guest House Association has always been opposed to such an hotel. Two market study reports were prepared by independent consultants and, of course, hoteliers were interviewed during the period of research. The reports published were discussed with the Hotel and Guest House Association and other appropriate bodies.

In 1996 at a meeting of the Tourism Committee, as previously constituted, the Hotel and Guest House Association, now called the Hospitality Association, submitted a letter dated 14th July 1996 stating that the Association was unanimously opposed to the hotel.

The Tourism Committee showed unanimous support for an hotel. The Channel Islands Tour Operators Group (CITOG) supported the proposal for an hotel as did the Chamber of Commerce.

The announcement by W.E.B. Ltd. of the "preferred franchise" led to a number of letters written by individual hoteliers being published in the J.E.P. or received at the Tourism Department, again opposing the hotel. The latest letter from the Association refers to the proposed hotel as "predatory competition".

Similar views were expressed by the Association at a recent Tourism Committee meeting.

Over the past five years 3,500 beds have been lost to the industry. The Crowne Plaza will have 274 bedrooms."

Development of an hotel on the St. Helier Waterfront - question and answer - (Tape No. 158)

Deputy Paul Vincent Francis Le Claire of St. Helier asked the Deputy of St. Mary , Vice-President of the Finance and Economics Committee, the following question -

"Would the Vice-President inform the Assembly what consultation took place with hotel and guest house owners prior to the grant by his Committee of permission for the creation of 200 new jobs for the proposed Waterfront hotel?"

The Vice-President of the Finance and Economics Committee replied as follows -

If the Deputy had included the word immediately' before the word prior' in his question, the short answer would have been none'.

However, in order to be helpful to the Deputy , I would point out that over the past few years there have been many discussions involving the Finance and Economics Committee, the Tourism Committee, and the tourism industry on a variety of issues. These issues have included the need for States support - including capital investment, how to stop the decline in the number of hotels and bed spaces, and so on. With specific regard to the consultations that took place on the development of a new international conference hotel on the Waterfront, the following comments are relevant :-

1. i n 1990, an international conference hotel was a significant feature within the Tourism Committee's own business plan;
2. on 10th November, 1992 the States formally approved the Waterfront Development Plan which included a hotel as a major feature;
3. in 1996, the B.D.O. Report on the proposed Waterfront hotel was published and full discussions took place with the tourism industry at that time;
4. subsequent to the B.D.O. industry discussions, a sensitivity report stated inter-alia' that -

1. t he hotel would add significantly to the conference market sector;
2. i f the international conference hotel were developed, there would likely to be only a modest adverse impact on existing hotel operators in 1998 (the envisaged year of opening);
3. t here would be adequate room in the market for the existing operators and the Waterfront hotel;

5. t wo local hotel groups applied to be considered as developers for the new Waterfront hotel;

6. an investigation into those hotel and guest house undertakings which have ceased trading since December, 1994 suggests that some 440 permanent jobs have been lost. A further investigation involving manpower survey and social security data since June 1989 estimates job losses of approximately 1,500 jobs in the whole of the hospitality area over that period. Further permanent job losses are anticipated given that other hotels are to be closed, for example, the Le Coie Hotel next year;
7. the investment of some £40 million by a private developer with no States' subsidy can only be looked upon as providing a tremendous boost to Jersey's tourism industry and it must also surely enhance the confidence of all those involved within it, in that here is someone who is prepared to invest for the future and who has no doubts that Jersey's second most important industry will continue to succeed in the years ahead."

Le Rocquier School. St. Clement : construction of temporary building - approval of drawings THE STATES, adopting a proposition of the Education Committee -

1. a pproved drawings Nos. 1898/A 01H, 02, 03C, 04C, 05E, 06D and 07C showing the proposed construction and installation of a temporary building containing 15 classrooms, a computer resources room, toilets, storage and offices at Le Rocquier School, St. Clement ;
2. a uthorised the Greffier of the States to sign the said drawings on behalf of the States.

Claremont Field, St. Saviour : construction of changing facilities - approval of drawings THE STATES, adopting a proposition of the Education Committee -

1. a pproved drawings Nos. 581.03.01B and 581.02.05J showing the proposed construction of changing facilities on Claremont Field (Field 1587), St. Saviour .
2. a uthorised the Greffier of the States to sign the said drawings on behalf of the States.

St. Mark's School, St. Saviour : extension and remodelling: approval of drawings THE STATES, adopting a proposition of the Education Committee -

1. a pproved drawings Nos. 2172-101A, 102A, 103A, 104A and 105 to 108 showing the proposed extension to and remodelling of St. Mark's School, St. Saviour ;
2. a uthorised the Greffier of the States to sign the said drawings on behalf of the States.

Senator Frank Harris on Walker - attendance

Senator Frank Harris on Walker , having returned to the Island prior to consideration of the States Resource Plan 1999 (P.77/99), was present for the remainder of the sitting.

States Resource Plan 1999 - P.77/99

THE STATES, adopting a proposition of the Policy and Resources Committee received the States Resource Plan 1999; and -

(a ) app roved the cash limits for each of the non-trading Committees as set out in Table 2.2, totalling

£300,240,000 in 2000, £316,301,000 in 2001 and £333,379,000 in 2002;

(b ) cha rged the Policy and Resources Committee to undertake, in conjunction with the Establishment

Committee, a review of the relative priority of all services provided by the non-trading Committees and, following consultation with the Committees concerned, to report back to the States on what steps needed to be taken in order to ensure that on 30th June 2002 the number of persons employed by the non-trading Committees was no greater than the number employed on 30th June 1999;

(c ) endorsed the decision of the Policy and Resources Committee that the sum allocated for capital

expenditure for the years 2000 to 2003 should not exceed £55 million in each year;

(d ) approved the recommended programme of capital projects for 2000 as set out in Tables 4.1, 4.2

and 4.4;

(e ) approved in principle the priority order of capital projects for 2001, 2002 and 2003 as set out in

Table 4.3;

(f ) approved the recommended Legislation Programme for 2000 and 2001 as set out in Tables 5.6

and 5.7.

Change in Presidency

THE STATES re-assembled after the lunch adjournment under the Presidency of the Bailiff , Sir Philip Bailhache .

Senator Jeremy Laurence Dorey - resignation

The Bailiff , in accordance with Article 13 of the States of Jersey Law 1966, as amended, informed the Assembly that he had received a letter in the following terms from Senator Jeremy Laurence Dorey tendering his resignation as a member of the States.

 "6t h J uly 1999 D ear S ir Philip,

I apol ogise for the delay in writing. As you know, I have been ill for some time. That illness, and

considerable pressure from people urging me to stay on, have combined to make a decision very difficult.

I h ad hope d to recover enough to be able to continue doing my job until the Autumn, but it has become

clear that such a recovery can only be achieved by making a complete break with States' work and starting afresh.

I m us t therefore ask you to inform the States of my resignation, with immediate effect. In view of the

fact that I have been unable to work effectively for some time, I enclose a cheque in reimbursement of two months' pay.

I apo logise again for the embarrassment and distress caused both by my court case and by my

subsequent delay in reaching an appropriate decision.

 Y our s sincerely,

(S i gne d)." Adjournment

THE STATES then adjourned until Wednesday, 7th July 1999. THE STATES rose at 5.15 p.m.

C .M . N E W C O M B E

Deputy Greffier of the States.