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States Minutes 21st January 2003

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THE STATES assembled on Tuesday, 21st January 2003 at 10.15 a.m. under the Presidency of the Bailiff ,

Sir Philip Bailhache .

All members were present with the exception of -

S e nator Paul Vincent Francis Le Claire - out of the Island

S e nator Christopher Gerard Pellow Lakeman - ill

F r ancis Herbert Amy, Connétable of Grouville - ill

J a cqueline Jeannette Huet, Deputy of St. Helier - out of the Island P h ilip John Rondel, Deputy of St. John - out of the Island

J e remy Laurence Dorey, Deputy of St. Helier - ill

C e lia Joyce Scott Warr en, Deputy of St. Saviour - ill

J u dith Ann Martin, Deputy of St. Helier - out of the Island

Prayers

Service of Dedication - thanks

The Bailiff on behalf of the members of the States thanked the Dean of Jersey and all those involved in the organisation of the Service of Dedication which had been held at the St. Helier Parish Church prior to the meeting.

Connétable of St. Lawrence - retirement

The Bailiff referred to the impending retirement of the Connétable of St. Lawrence, Mr. Henry George Coutanche, and thanked him on behalf of the States for his service to the Assembly.

Subordinate legislation tabled

The following enactments were laid before the States, namely -

D a ta Protection (General Provisions) (Amendment No. 3) (Jersey) Order 2003. R & O 1/2003.

C  ommunity Provisions (Prohibiting the Sale, Supply and Export of Certain Equipment to, and Freezing of

Funds of Certain Officials of, Burma/Myanmar) (Jersey) Order 2003.

R&O 2/2003.

Matters presented

The following matters were presented to the States -

States of Jersey Law 1966, as amended: delegation of functions - administration R.C.1/2003. of public finances.

Presented by the Finance and Economics Committee.

Fields 761 and 762, St. Peter: exchange of land (P.239/2002) - comments. P.239/2002.

Presented by the Finance and Economics Committee. Com. THE STATES ordered that the said reports be printed and distributed.

Matters noted - land transactions

THE STATES noted an Act of the Finance and Economics Committee dated 15th January 2003, showing that, in pursuance of Standing Orders relating to certain transactions in land, the Committee had approved -

(a )  as recommended by the Education, Sport and Culture Committee, the entering into of a Deed of

Arrangement with Mr. Alan O'Prey and Mrs. Elizabeth O'Prey, née McNamara in order to provide access rights to service the two dwellings which were to be constructed on the site of the existing (but to be demolished) Springfield Cottage, Springfield Lane, St. Helier , on the basis that the development of the said site would not have a detrimental effect on the Committee's property and that such development would be restricted to the construction of two semi-detached dwellings of approximately 1,250  square feet per property, with two car parking spaces per unit. Vehicular and pedestrian access would be permitted to the northern boundary of the site in order to serve the two units. In consideration of the rights to be granted the beneficiaries would pay to the public a sum of £5,000 upon completion of the deed, and all reasonable legal and professional fees incurred by the public in relation to the preparation of the necessary Deed of Arrangement;

( b ) as recommended by the Health and Social Services Committee, the lease from Mr. John Steven Warr en

and Mrs. Katherine Grace Warr en, née Melly, of No. 8 Devon Avenue, Green Road, St. Clement, required for accommodation for locum consultants, for a period of three years from 11th November 2002, on an internal repairing basis at a commencing annual rent of £19,000, payable quarterly in advance, subject to annual rent increases in line with the Jersey Retail Price Index as at 11th November each year, with an option to renew the lease for a further three-year period. Each party would be responsible for its own legal costs in relation to this transaction;

( c ) as recommended by the Health and Social Services Committee, the lease from Mr. Roy Huelin Vibert of

No. 5 Baycroft Close, Inner Road, St. Clement , required for accommodation for locum consultants, for a period of five years from 15th November 2002, on an internal repairing basis at a commencing annual rent of £13,324.48, payable quarterly in advance, subject to annual rent increases in line with the Jersey Retail Price Index as at 1st July each year (in order to coincide with the other properties leased by the Committee at Baycroft Close), with an option to renew the lease for a further five-year period. Each party would be responsible for its own legal costs in relation to this transaction;

( d ) as recommended by the Education, Sport and Culture Committee, the lease to the Jersey Society for the

Provision of a Children's Resource Centre of basement and ground floor, first floor and external areas (shown hatched on plans Nos. 4151/28, 4151/29 and 4151/30) of the Farewell Wing of the former Jersey College for Girls premises, La Pouquelaye, St. Helier , for a period of 21 years commencing from the date of completion of the proposed refurbishment works which were being undertaken on behalf of the lessor by the Education Department. The use of the gymnasium was to be subject to joint use until 2003 once the Langford Sports Centre had been completed. The annual rent payable by the lessee would be at the nominal sum of £10 payable at that rate throughout the term of the lease. Each party would bear its respective legal and professional costs incurred in connexion with the granting of this lease. The lessor would undertake to insure the building fabric against the usual perils under the States block insurance policy;

( e ) as recommended by the Finance and Economics Committee, the entering into of a Deed of Arrangement with the Parish of St. Helier in respect of an exchange and counter-exchange of land in order to re-

define the boundary between the site of the Cyril Le Marquand House car park (being the site of the proposed Magistrate's Court development) and the site of the former Parish Yard, Lempriere Street, St. Helier (immediately to the north). The parcels of land to be exchanged (shown hatched and cross-

hatched  on  Public  Services  Department  Drawing  No.  2749/B10  dated  November  2000)  were  of  similar

proportions (measuring approximately ten square metres) and each party would pay the sum of £10 to acquire the areas of land concerned. Each party would also bear its respective legal costs in connexion with this transaction;

( f ) as recommended by the Harbours and Airport Committee, the sale to the Jersey Rugby Football Club

Limited of Field No.  790, St. Peter for the sum of£11,000 for use as a practice pitch, on the basis that the Club would be responsible for undertaking all works to convert the field and that a restrictive covenant would be placed on the land, in perpetuity, in order to prevent any form of development, other than that associated with its permitted use. Access rights would be granted to allow the maintenance of the boundary to the north of the field and a new fence was to be built by the public along the western boundary;

( g ) as recommended by the Environment and Public Services Committee, the lease to Mr. Robert Edward

Furness of the bunker at the Le Braye Slipway, St. Brelade for a period of nine years from 25th December 2001, at an annual rent of £218.47, subject to annual increases in line with the Jersey Retail Price Index. Each party would be responsible for its own legal costs in relation to this transaction and no deposits were to be paid; and,

( h ) as recommended by the Environment and Public Services Committee, the purchase from Clerwood

Limited of an area of land (measuring 470  square feet) adjacent to Sandycroft, La Grande Route des Sablons, Grouville (required to facilitate the construction of a pavement), for a consideration of £470 (representing a rate of £1 a square foot), on the basis that the Committee would be responsible for the cost of the construction works involved and for both parties' legal costs associated with the transaction, and that the Environment and Public Services Committee would be responsible for the cost of the accommodation works required.

Matters noted - acceptance of tender

THE STATES noted an Act of the Finance and Economics Committee dated 15th January 2003, showing that, in pursuance of Rule 5 of the Public Finances (General) (Jersey) Rules 1967, as amended, the Committee had noted that the Health and Social Services Committee had accepted the preferred tender for the new C.T. Scanner by G.E. Medical Systems in the amended contract sum of £784,079.

Matters lodged

The following matters were lodged "au Greffe" -

States members' remuneration (P.238/2002): amendment. P.238/2002. Presented by Deputy T.J. Le Main of St. Helier . Amd.

Draft Plant Health (Jersey) Law 200- (P.1/2003): amendment. P.1/2003. Presented by the Economic Development Committee. Amd. Bailiff 's Consultative Panel - membership. P.2/2003. Presented by Senator J.A. Le Maistre.

Draft Fire Service (Amendment No.  5) (Jersey) Law 200-. P.3/2003. Presented by the Home Affairs Committee.

Commission Amicale: membership. P.4/2003. Presented by Senator J.A. Le Maistre, and referred to the Policy and Resources

Committee.

The following matters were lodged on 31st December 2002 -

Fields 761 and 762, St. Peter : exchange of land. P.239/2002. Presented by the Harbours and Airport Committee.

Field 790, L'Avenue de la Reine Elizabeth II, St. Peter . P.240/2002. Presented by the Deputy of St. John.

The following matter was lodged on 14th January 2003 -

Draft Plant Health (Jersey) Law 200-. P.1/2003. Economic Development Committee.

Arrangement of public business for the present meeting

THE STATES confirmed that the following matters lodged "au Greffe" would be considered at the present meeting -

Draft Advocates and Solicitors (Amendment No.  3) (Jersey) Law 200-. P.233/2002. Lodged: 3rd December 2002.

Legislation Committee.

Draft Public Elections (Amendment) (Jersey) Law 200-. P.234/2002. Lodged: 10th December 2002.

Legislation Committee.

Projet de Loi (200-) (Amendement) au sujet des Centeniers et officiers de police. P.235/2002. Logé au Greffe: le 10 décembre 2002.

Comité de Législation.

Fields 761 and 762, St. Peter : exchange of land. P.239/2002. Lodged: 31st December 2002.

Harbours and Airport Committee.

Fields 761 and 762, St.  Peter: exchange of land (P.239/2002) - comments. P.239/2002. Presented: 21st January 2003. Com. Finance and Economics Committee.

Arrangement of public business for the next meeting on 4th February 2003

THE STATES confirmed that the following matters lodged "au Greffe" would be considered at the next meeting on 4th February 2003 -

Draft Customs and Excise (Amendment) (Jersey) Law 200-. P.230/2002. Lodged: 26th November 2002.

Home Affairs Committee.

Welfare grants and family responsibilities for the next of kin. P.236/2002. Lodged: 10th December 2002.

Employment and Social Security Committee.

Draft  Sea  Fisheries  (Miscellaneous  Provisions)  (Amendment  No.  3)  (Jersey) P.237/2002. Regulations 200-.

Lodged: 10th December 2002.

Economic Development Committee.

(Lodged in the name of the former Agriculture and Fisheries Committee).

Draft Plant Health (Jersey) Law 200-. P.1/2003. Lodged: 14th January 2003.

Economic Development Committee.

Draft Plant Health (Jersey) Law 200- (P.1/2003): amendment. P.1/2003. Lodged: 21st January 2003. Amd. Economic Development Committee.

Bailiff 's Consultative Panel - membership. P.2/2003. Lodged: 21st January 2003.

Senator J.A. Le Maistre.

Jersey Consumer Council; transfer of responsibility - P.167/2001 - withdrawn

THE STATES noted that in accordance with Standing Order 22(3), Deputy Alan Breckon of St. Saviour had instructed the Greffier of the States to withdraw the proposition regarding the Jersey Consumer Council; transfer of responsibility (P.167/2001 lodged "au Greffe" on 6th November 2001).

Breakdown of the Elizabeth Marina gates - question and answer (Tape No. 807)

Deputy Gerard Clifford Lemmens Baudains of St. Clement asked Senator Leonard Norman, President of the Harbours and Airport Committee, the following question -

" W  ith regard to the breakdown of the Elizabeth marina gates, would the President advise members -

 ( a ) why notices were not immediately put in a conspicuous position (such as at the top of the ramp') to

advise boat owners of the problem and how long the delay was before they were so put?

( b ) whether a comprehensive set of most likely needed spares is kept for the gates and if not, why not?

 ( c ) whether boat owners with contracts will be reimbursed for the period normal facilities were denied

them?"

The President of the Harbours and Airport Committee replied as follows -

" (a ) Staff were on duty over the Christmas period at the Elizabeth Marina and it was expected that the gates  would  be  operational  within  a  short  period  of  time,  as  electronic  faults  are  normally straightforward to rectify.

 T  h e D  u ty Officer had advised Port Control who were, therefore, aware of the situation and in a

position to respond to boat owners requesting information. Signs were posted on the access gates on Boxing Day morning and marina staff on duty endeavoured to advise those persons proceeding towards their craft. The St Helier Yacht Club race control was also notified. It is therefore considered that the signs were posted without undue delay and all reasonable efforts were taken to advise those yachtsmen wishing to proceed to sea.

(b ) A  comprehensive set of spares, as recommended by the manufacturer and designer of the marina gate

system, is held in stock at the Harbour. This comprises some 45 different items. The proximity switch which failed was not listed as a recommended spare. Replacements will be kept in stock in future.

(c ) Following the opening of the Elizabeth Marina in April 1998, the States set the Elizabeth Marina

contract rates lower than that of the La Collette Yacht Basin and the St Helier Marina. A reason for this

differential is that the contract between berth holders and the Committee states that the berth holders will not seek reimbursement for such happenings.

I ta k e t h is opportunity to thank the Harbourmaster, marina staff and the team of Jersey Harbours'

engineers who endeavoured to fix the fault throughout the Christmas holiday period and made every effort to ensure that inconvenience to berth holders was kept to a minimum.

I a l so w i s h to express my regret for the inconvenience that this incident caused." Monitoring of policies on the level of private sector rentals - question and answer (Tape No. 807)

Deputy Geoffrey Peter Southern of St. Helier, asked Deputy Terence John Le Main of St. Helier , President of the Housing Committee, the following question -

"The report accompanying the Housing Committee's Strategic Policy Report (P.2/2002),

paragraph. 3.1.1 (vi)- monitoring the effects of policy - states that other information such as the price of homes, for sale and rent, should also be recorded accurately and on a regular basis' (to help guide policy).

W  ould the President inform members what steps have been taken to monitor the effects of his policies on the

level of rentals in the private sector?"

The President of the Housing Committee replied as follows -

" A lthough a house price index has been published regularly by the Policy and Resources Department it is based only on a particular type of property, a post-war three bedroom house or bungalow, and may not reflect price movements in other parts of the market. The Housing Department is currently liaising with the Policy and Resources Department over how best to gather and record information on the price of a fuller range of homes for both sale and rent.

I n formation on rent levels and size and type of dwellings in respect of private sector rental agreements is now

being recorded by the Housing Department and some figures on the range of rents chargeable for different size dwellings during 2002 should be available soon. In addition, figures showing the average gross rents chargeable for dwellings occupied by claimants under the Private Sector Rent Rebate Scheme will be extracted by a new computer programme, which is currently being developed and which will also cover 2002.

W  hile the first sets of figures produced will be of interest they will not be able to demonstrate clearly what

effect the Committee's policies may have had on private sector rentals. Nevertheless the steps outlined above should begin to provide an historical record of prices and price movements in the private rental sector which, in the future, will help the Committee to gauge the effects of its policies."

Rent increases and rent abatement for States tenants - question and answer (Tape No. 807)

Deputy Geoffrey Peter Southern of St. Helier, asked Deputy Terence John Le Main of St. Helier , President of the Housing Committee, the following question -

" ( a) Will the President of Housing inform members what level of rent increase for States tenants is under consideration by the Committee for implementation in April 2003?

( b ) Last year the rent abatement application form contained a new section where tenants were asked to

declare all benefits received. Tenants were assured at the time that these benefits were to be disregarded (not taken into account when calculating the level of abatement). Would the President assure members that such benefits will continue to be disregarded in 2003?"

The President of the Housing Committee replied as follows -

" T he Committee has decided to increase rents for States tenants' dwellings by, on average, 3.5 per cent with effect from April 2003.

I c an confirm that those benefits, namely Family Allowance, Invalidity Benefit and Disability Benefit, which

were disregarded as income for rent abatement in 2002 will continue to be disregarded in 2003."

Health Funding Review - question and answer (Tape No. 807)

Deputy Maurice François Dubras of St. Lawrence, asked Senator Stuart Syvret, President of the Health and Social Services Committee, the following question -

" ( a) Would the President indicate when members will be receiving an unabridged version of the Health Care Funding Review?

( b ) Would the President explain why members have not received a copy of this report given that it was

quoted during the Budget debate?"

The President of the Health and Social Services Committee replied as follows -

" ( a) The Health Care Funding Review was jointly commissioned by three Committees: Health and Social Services, Employment and Social Security and Finance and Economics. The publication of the report is therefore an issue for all three Committees, not just Health and Social Services. The three Committees were  due  to  receive  a  presentation  of  the  report  by  its  author  late  last  year.  Unfortunately  this presentation was cancelled due to inclement weather preventing his arrival in the island. A re-arranged joint meeting is due to be held early in February 2003. It is expected that the Committees will form an initial view of the report at that stage and publish it shortly thereafter. The Presidents of the Finance and Economics, and the Employment and Social Security Committees would prefer the publication of the report to occur after the three Committees have received the presentation.

 ( b ) The Health and Social Services Committee has, by some margin, the largest budget of any States

Committee. Against this background it would be somewhat strange if no reference were to be made, in a budget debate, to a report that dealt with the issue of future health care funding. As explained in the previous  answer,  the  review  was  commissioned  by  three  Committees  so  any  decision  as  to  its distribution cannot be mine alone. For my part I am more than happy for any member to have a copy of the  report,  but they  will also  need to secure  the  agreement  of  the  Presidents of the  Finance  and Economics and Employment and Social Security Committees."

Progress of the work of the Privileges and Procedures Committee - statement

Deputy Jennifer-Anne Bridge of St. Helier , Vice-President of the Privileges and Procedures Committee made a statement in the following terms -

" O  n behalf of the Privileges and Procedures Committee I would like to take this opportunity to update members on some aspects of our work since the publication of our First Report covering the issues of Scrutiny, Members' Facilities, Members' Code of Conduct and Remuneration in October 2002. I would also like to take this opportunity to inform members of our planned programme of work for the coming months.

S c rutiny

M  embers and Chief Officers will be invited to a seminar on scrutiny at the end of February.

A s part of the seminar, the Committee intends to consult on its proposals before finalising an in-principle'

report and proposition on Scrutiny which we aim to lodge before Easter. This will include detailed proposals on matters such as call-in', parliamentary privilege for both witnesses and papers, the relationship with the Public Accounts Committee and the Comptroller and Auditor General and legal advice for Scrutiny panels.

T he Committee intends to produce proposals for the introduction of two shadow scrutiny panels' in the

Autumn. The challenge for the Committee is to produce a meaningful activity that is a practical learning process for both members and officers, given that members will be scrutinising the present system under the present rules on access to information as opposed to the future ministerial system.

T h e Committee is confident that States members have the basic necessary skills in order to scrutinise but is

aware that training will be vital in order to gain new skills to meet the challenge of the new culture in the ministerial system.

T h e Committee will be considering the requirements for a training programme in consultation with Policy

and Resources Committee, given its new responsibility for Human Resources.

M  embers' facilities

T h e Environment and Public Services Committee will be presenting a Report and Proposition today on Phase

II of the States Building refurbishment programme. This proposition encapsulates the Committee's proposals for the refurbishment of the Régistre'. In the coming months the Committee will be investigating the accommodation needs for scrutiny.

M  embers' Code of Conduct

T h e Committee intends to lodge a report and proposition on Members' Code of Conduct on 25th February

2003.

R  e muneration

F o llowing the publication of the First Report, the Committee, as previously constituted, responded to the

consultation period, by producing a draft report and proposition that it felt reflected comment received at that time and this was lodged on 10th December 2002. However, the Committee appreciates that the period between October and December was an exceedingly busy time for many members who were not only preparing for substantial debates in this Assembly but were also fighting Senatorial and Deputorial campaigns. In addition, approximately 20 per cent of this Assembly are new members. In deference to these reasons, the Committee intends to extend the consultation process for two weeks to allow those members who did not respond prior to lodging to have that opportunity. The Committee as presently constituted remains generally supportive of the proposition but is still receptive to members' views and will consider how and when to take the proposition forward with the aim to debate in early March. The Committee strongly urges members to come forward with their comments, particularly on Deputy Le Main's proposed amendment.

S t ates of Jersey Law

T h e Committee will be considering the preliminary drafting instructions of the new States of Jersey Law at its

meeting on Friday 24th January. Consequent to approval by the Committee, the drafting instructions will be presented to the Law Draftsman by mid-February.

P u blic Access to Information

A   consultation paper on Public Access to Official Information (or Freedom of Information as it is more

commonly known) is being finalised and will be circulated to members and interested parties for consultation subsequent to its meeting on Friday, 7th February 2003

A joint working party between the Legislation Committee and the Privileges and Procedures Committee has

been formed in order to consider the relationship between Public Access to Information, Data Protection Issues and Human Rights Issues.

T he issue of States members' access to information under the Ministerial system is also being considered

within this document.

H  ansard

F o llowing on from the detailed report on Hansard in the Implementation Plan, the Committee intends to

consider the draft report and proposition at its meeting on 14th February with the aim to lodge by the end of February. At present the Committee is waiting for responses from suppliers with regard to the various system options and prices.

P r ovision of information to the public on the work of the States Assembly

T  he Committee has considered that provision of information to the public about the work of the States

Assembly should include an enhanced web-site. The possibility of a visitor centre is also being explored, scheduled school visits and liaison members' are being investigated and will be reported on in due course.

S i multaneous electronic voting

T h e Committee will be considering its draft report and proposition on simultaneous electronic voting at its

meeting on Friday, 24th January with a view to lodging in early February 2003.

A  r rangement of Public Business

A t its meeting on 29th November 2002, the Committee, mindful of the heavy programme of debates and the

extra sessions in 2002, agreed that a Working Party would be set up to undertake a comprehensive review of current procedures relating to the arrangement of public business in the States Assembly, and will furnish members with further details by letter.

I would like to end by renewing our invitation to members to attend our Committee meetings and remind

members and the public that all our minutes can be found on the States Assembly website.

F i nally, the Committee would like to place on record its gratitude to those members who have assisted it in its

work to date."

Progress of the work of the Special Committee on the Composition and Election of the States Assembly - statement

Deputy Jennifer-Anne Bridge of St. Helier , Vice-President of the Special Committee on the Composition and Election of the States Assembly, made a statement in the following terms -

" M embers will be aware that the Special Committee on the Composition and Election of the States Assembly was re-formed in December to comprise of the same members as the Privileges and Procedures Committee. The Special Committee is also aware that the former Committee had applied a great deal of effort in producing P.186/2002 and that there was also a level of public consultation which must be given due regard.

O  n the basis of this, the Committee wishes to consider at its meeting on Friday 24th January 2003 the

information previously gathered in order to understand the reasoning behind P.186/2002. Following this it will be in a stronger position to advise on how it wishes to proceed.

T h e Committee would like to place on record its gratitude to those members of the public and States members

who have contributed both time and effort to the production of P.186/2002."

Recruitment and selection of the new Chief Executive to the Council of Ministers and Head of the Public Service - statement

Senator Frank Harris on Walker , President of the Policy and Resources Committee, made a statement in the following terms -

" I should like to make a statement about the recruitment and selection of the new Chief Executive to the Council of Ministers and Head of the Public Service and, following speculation in the local media and in other places, to clarify, as far as is legally possible, the circumstances surrounding Mr. Mills' stepping back from the post of Chief Executive to the Policy and Resources Committee.

M  embers will be aware from recent news items in the media, and I am sure from other sources, that the

vigorous and very searching recruitment and selection process for this most important senior appointment, which began late last October, was concluded at the end of last week, when the final four, highly able, short listed candidates were interviewed.

I a m very pleased indeed to be able to confirm that, while recognising that this new appointment is subject to

approval by the States, for which a projet will be lodged "au Greffe" shortly, a unanimous decision of the Jersey Appointment Commission's selection panel has led to the excellent, first choice candidate being offered the position and to contractual discussions now being in train with that individual. Although final dates cannot, of course, yet be confirmed, it is expected that the new Chief Executive will be able to take up his post within five to six months of the States giving their approval and I am looking forward to introducing him to Members at the first opportunity.

I would at this point like to pay significant tribute to the work of the Jersey Appointments Commission, its

Chairman in particular and its professional advisers. I think it fair to say that I have never been part of a recruitment and selection process that was so well organised, comprehensive and incisive. All panel members and advisers are to be congratulated for the huge amount of work they put into this process and I am absolutely sure that the very broad experience of the team as a whole has led to, what I am equally sure will be, an outstandingly successful appointment."

Former Chief Executive of the Policy and Resources Department - statement

Senator Frank Harris on Walker , President of the Policy and Resources Committee, made a statement in the following terms -

"B y agreement with Mr. Mills, this statement concerns the terms under which Mr. Mills has left the

employment of the States of Jersey.

I m ust begin by making clear that what has happened has arisen not because of any dissatisfaction with Mr.

Mills' contribution - quite the reverse in fact - but because a decision was taken to create a new post of Chief Executive to the Council of Ministers that would subsume Mr. Mills' existing post of Chief Executive of the Policy and Resources Department. A panel comprising the members of the Appointments Commission and myself decided that other candidates for the new post better met all the elements of the specification for the new post than did Mr. Mills. Thus, by a decision to appoint someone else to, effectively, his post, Mr. Mills became compulsorily redundant.

I t is important to emphasise that Mr. Mills' departure has arisen solely because of action initiated by the

States as his employer and not for any other reason. Mr. Mills' performance in his post over the last three years has been exemplary, as I and others have been only too willing to make clear in recent weeks.

T h e financial settlement with Mr. Mills is as follows. First, he will receive his normal salary over a six-month period of notice until 30th June 2003. During this time Mr. Mills will continue to assist, as agreed, on key

international dossiers. Secondly, at the end of this period, Mr. Mills will receive a redundancy payment broadly

equivalent to one year's salary from that date together with the cost of an additional year's pension entitlement.

G iven the circumstances, and having regard in particular to the fact that Mr. Mills' contract of employment

ran until 24th October 2004, my Committee considers this settlement to be fair and just. I am grateful to Mr. Mills for his agreement that this statement be made and for the professional manner in which he has dealt with the situation that has arisen. I shall finish by placing on record my thanks to him for all that he has done for Jersey over the last three years; he has made a significant and valuable contribution to our affairs."

States Building refurbishment Phase 2: approval of drawings, and comments

THE STATES, adopting a proposition of the Environment and Public Services Committee, referred to their Act dated 19th July 2000, in which they approved drawings showing Phase One and Phase Two of the proposed refurbishment of the Royal Court/States Building, and -

( a ) approved revised drawings Nos. 2980/13 (B) and 102(D) showing Phase Two of the refurbishment of the

States Building, Royal Square, St. Helier , to provide improved accommodation for States members as agreed with the Privileges and Procedures Committee;

( b ) authorised the Greffier of the States to sign the said drawings on behalf of the States; and

( c ) agreed that the commencement of Phase Two of the refurbishment works should be brought forward to

coincide with the completion of works being undertaken as part of Phase One.

Draft Health Insurance (Amendment No. 13) (Jersey) Law 200- P.222/2002

THE STATES, subject to the sanction of Her Most Excellent Majesty in Council, adopted a Law entitled the Health Insurance (Amendment No. 13) (Jersey) Law 200-.

Draft Family Allowances (Amendment No. 6) (Jersey) Law 200- P.223/2002

THE STATES, subject to the sanction of Her Most Excellent Majesty in Council, adopted a Law entitled the Family Allowances (Amendment No. 6) (Jersey) Law 200-.

Draft Advocates and Solicitors (Amendment No. 3) (Jersey) Law 200- P.233/2002

THE STATES, subject to the sanction of Her Most Excellent Majesty in Council, adopted a Law entitled the Advocates and Solicitors (Amendment No. 3) (Jersey) Law 200-.

Draft Public Elections (Amendment) (Jersey) Law 200- P.234/2002

THE STATES, subject to the sanction of Her Most Excellent Majesty in Council, adopted a Law entitled the Public Elections (Amendment) (Jersey) Law 200-.

Projet de Loi (200-) (Amendement) au sujet des Centeniers et officiers de police - P.235/2002

THE STATES, subject to the sanction of Her Most Excellent Majesty in Council, adopted a Law entitled the Loi (200-) (Amendement) au sujet des Centeniers et officiers de police.

Fields 761 and 762, St. Peter: exchange of land - P.239/2002 and comments - P.239/2002 Com. THE STATES, adopting a proposition of the Harbours and Airport Committee -

(a) approved the acquisition from the Parish of St. Peter of the gift of an area of land comprising the northern section of Field  762, St.  Peter, measuring approximately one vergée, 4  perch as shown o drawing No.  150/1A/A4, required to form part of Jersey Airport, with the public being responsible for the payment of the Parish's reasonable legal costs and expenses;

( b ) approved the gift to the Parish of St.  Peter of Field  761, St.  Peter, measuring 2  vergées, 20  perch

shown on drawing No.  150/1A/A4, with the public being responsible for the legal costs and expenses;

( c ) authorised the Attorney General and the Greffier of the States to pass on behalf of the public any

contracts which might be found necessary to pass in connexion with the said property referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) above and all interests therein;

( d ) authorised the payment or discharge of the expenses incurred in connexion with the acquisition of the

said property and in all interests therein referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) above from the Harbours and Airport Committee's Trading Fund.

THE STATES rose at 12.05 p.m.

M.N. DE LA HAYE Greffier of the States.