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PPC Minutes 4th June 2007

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PH/KAK/159  180

PRIVILEGES AND PROCEDURES COMMITTEE (48th Meeting)

4th June 2007

PART A

All members were present, with the exception of Deputy C.H. Egré, from whom apologies had been received.

Connétable D.F. Gray of St. Clement - Chairman Senator M.E. Vibert

Connétable K.A. Le Brun of St. Mary

Deputy G.C.L. Baudains

Deputy J. Gallichan

In attendance -

M.N. de la Haye, Greffier of the States

Miss P. Horton, Clerk to the Privileges and Procedures Committee Note: The Minutes of this meeting comprise Part A and Part B.

Vice-Chairman. A1.  The Committee, in pursuance of Standing Order 127(3) of the Standing Orders 465/1(68) of the States of Jersey, appointed Deputy J. Gallichan as the Vice-Chairman of the

Privileges and Procedures Committee.

Composition and A2.  The Committee, with reference to its  Minute No. B3  of 23rd May 2007, election of the resumed consideration of the Composition and Election of the States Assembly. States Assembly.

465/1(75) The  Committee  recalled  that  it  had  concluded  that  there  were  only  2  workable Encl. options  for  reform  if  a  general  election  and  4  year  term  of  office  were  to  be

introduced. The 2 options with either an Assembly of Connétable s and Deputies or an Assembly of Connétable s and members elected in new larger electoral districts. The Committee, having analysed both options in detail, agreed that it would propose the option for an Assembly comprising of Connétable s and members elected in new larger electoral districts. Deputy G.C.L. Baudains did not concur with the majority of the Committee and it was agreed that he would lodge a minority amendment to allow the States the opportunity to debate an Assembly comprising of Connétable s and Deputies.

In  this  regard  the  Committee  considered  the  draft Composition  of  the  States: Revised  Structure  and  Referendum' together  with  the  draft Composition  of  the States: Revised Structure and Referendum: Amendment'.

The Committee reiterated its strong view that the public should be provided the opportunity to express an opinion on the proposals and it was hoped that States members would put aside their own personal views and allow the public to have their say in a referendum. Although it was recognised that a referendum was not binding it was hoped that, if a proposed option for reform was favoured, by the public, the States would implement the preferred option.

The Committee, having requested some minor \amendments be made to its report and proposition,  accordingly  approved  the  draft Composition  of  the  States:  Revised Structure  and  Referendum' and  the  draft Composition  of  the  States:  Revised Structure  and  Referendum:  Amendment' and  requested  that  they  be  lodged au Greffe' for debate on 17th July 2007.

The  Committee  expressed  its  appreciation  to  the  Greffier  of  the  States  for  the immense amount of time and work he had contributed during the months of extensive consultation which had taken place.

The Committee agreed that the Chairman should make a statement in the States on 5th June 2007 urging members to consider the arguments for and against the other options  and  to  carefully  reflect  on  its  option  for  reform  before  coming  to  any conclusions.

The Greffier of the States as directed to take the necessary action.

States of Jersey A3.  The Committee, with reference to its Minute No. A2 of 27th April 2007, (Powers, received  and  considered  the  draft  States  of  Jersey  (Powers,  Privileges  and Privileges and Immunities) (Committees of Inquiry) (Jersey) Regulations 200-.

Immunities)

(Committees of The Committee recalled that the States had recently agreed to set up a committee of Inquiry) (Jersey) inquiry to investigate toe development of Field 848, 851 and 853, Bel Royal, St. Regulations 200-. Lawrence.  In  order  to  undertake  their  work  effectively  it  was  important  that 450/8(1) committees of inquiry had adequate statutory powers to call for evidence and it was Encl. equally important that the members of the committee and those giving evidence were

provided  with  appropriate  legal  immunity.  These  Regulations,  made  under  an enabling power in the States of Jersey Law 2005, would give all the necessary powers and immunities to enable committees of inquiry to undertake their work.

The Committee accordingly approved the draft States of Jersey (Powers, Privileges and Immunities) (Committees of Inquiry) (Jersey) Regulations 200- and requested that it be lodged au Greffe' at the earliest opportunity for debate on 17th July 2007.

The Greffier of the States was directed to take the necessary action.