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States Minutes 1st May 2007

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THE STATES assembled on Tuesday 1st May 2007, at 09.30 a.m. under the Presidency of the Bailiff ,

Sir Philip Bailhache .

His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Lieutenant-General Andrew Peter Ridgway, C.B., C.B.E., was present.

All members were present at roll call with the exception of

S e nator Stuart Syvret – ill

C o nnétable Philip Francis Ozouf of St.  Saviour ill

Prayers

Documents presented or laid

Composition and Election of the States Assembly: proposed reform (P.145/2006): P.145/2006. comments. Com. Presented: 1st May 2007.

Council of Ministers.

Composition and Election of the States Assembly: proposed reform (P.145/2006): P.145/2006. amendments (P.145/2006  Amd.)comments. Amd. Com. Presented: 30th April 2007.

Privileges and Procedures Committee.

Fields 848, 851 and 853, Bel Royal, St.  Lawrence: Committee of Inquiry P.49/2007. Amd. (P.49/2007) – amendment (P.49/2007  Amd.) comments. Com. Presented: 30th April 2007.

Minister for Planning and Environment.

States of Jersey Law 2005: delegation of functions – Health and Social Services. R.40/2007. Presented: 23rd April 2007.

Minister for Health and Social Services.

States Assembly: Annual Report 2006. R.41/2007. Presented: 24th April 2007.

Privileges and Procedures Committee.

Review of the changes to the Incapacity Benefit system. R.42/2007. Presented: 24th April 2007.

Minister for Social Security.

Redundancy and business transfers: recommendations of the Employment Forum. R.43/2007. Presented: 26th April 2007.

Minister for Social Security.

Review into the Perceived Health Effects of Mobile Phone Masts. S.R.8/2007. Presented: 20th April 2007.

Health, Social Security and Housing Scrutiny Panel.

Retail Strategy (Interim) Review. S.R.9/2007. Presented: 27th April 2007.

Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel.

Notification of lodged propositions

Composition and Election of the States Assembly: proposed reform (P.145/2006) P.145/2006. second amendment (P.145/2006  Amd.(2)) amendments. Amd.(2) Amd. Lodged: 25th April 2007.

Deputy A. Breckon of St.  Saviour.

Composition and Election of the States Assembly: proposed reform (P.145/2006) P.145/2006. second amendment (P.145/2006  Amd.(2)) second amendment. Amd.(2) Amd.(2) Lodged: 25th April 2007.

Deputy J.A.N. Le  Fondré of St. Lawrence.

La  Pouquelaye Old School Site: purchase. P.55/2007. Lodged: 23rd April 2007.

Connétable of St. Helier.

Draft Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No.  2) (Jersey) Law 200-. P.56/2007. Lodged: 24th April 2007.

Minister for Home Affairs.

Draft Sea Fisheries (Minimum Size Limits) (Amendment No.  4) (Jersey) P.57/2007. Regulations 200-.

Lodged: 1st May 2007.

Minister for Economic Development.

Jersey Financial Services Commission: re-appointment of Commissioners and P.58/2007. Chairman.

Lodged: 1st May 2007.

Minister for Economic Development.

Written Questions (see Official Report)

The Minister for Home Affairs tabled an answer to a question asked by Deputy S. Pitman of St.  Helier regarding the annual expenditure on vehicle recovery since 2002.

The Minister for Transport and Technical Services tabled an answer to a question asked by Deputy S. Pitman of St.  Helier regarding waste recycling levels.

The Chief Minister tabled an answer to a question asked by Deputy S. Pitman of St.  Helier regarding subsidies to the outlets at the Waterfront.

The Chief Minister tabled an answer to a question asked by Deputy P.V.F. Le  Claire of St.  Helier regarding th formal  processes  existing  between  Jersey  and  Her  Majesty's  Government  relating  to  the  negotiation  of constitutional matters.

The Chief Minister tabled an answer to a question asked by Deputy G.P. Southern of St.  Helier regarding the funding of the 2007 pay award.

The Minister for Treasury and Resources tabled an answer to a question asked by Deputy G.P. Southern of

St.  Helier regarding the funding of the 2007 pay award.

The Minister for Economic Development tabled an answer to a question asked by Deputy G.P. Southern of St.  Helier regarding the funding of the 2007 pay award.

The Minister for Education, Sport and Culture tabled an answer to a question asked by Deputy G.P. Southern of St.  Helier regarding the funding of the 2007 pay award.

The Minister for Home Affairs tabled an answer to a question asked by Deputy G.P. Southern of St. Helier regarding the funding of the 2007 pay award.

The Minister for Health and Social Services tabled an answer to a question asked by Deputy G.P. Southern of St.  Helier regarding the funding of the 2007 pay award.

The Minister for Housing tabled an answer to a question asked by Deputy G.P. Southern of St.  Helier regarding the funding of the 2007 pay award.

The Minister for Planning and Environment tabled an answer to a question asked by Deputy G.P. Southern of St.  Helier regarding the funding of the 2007 pay award.

The Minister for Social Security tabled an answer to a question asked by Deputy G.P. Southern of St. Helier regarding the funding of the 2007 pay award.

The Minister for Transport and Technical Services tabled an answer to a question asked by Deputy G.P. Southern of St.  Helier regarding the funding of the 2007 pay award.

The Minister for Treasury and Resources tabled an answer to a question asked by Senator B.E. Shenton regarding TV licence costs.

Oral Questions (see Official Report)

The Connétable of St.  Helier asked a question of the Minister for Transport and Technical Services regarding possible Parish participation in the forthcoming review of safety hazards at La  Collette.

The Connétable of St.  Helier asked a question of the Assistant Minister for Health and Social Services regarding her department's progress in implementing the Air Quality Strategy for Jersey.

Deputy S.S.P.A. Power of St.  Brelade asked a question of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding whether a Goods and Services Tax would be charged on the sale of Duty Free goods at the Airport.

Deputy G.P. Southern of St.  Helier asked a question of the Minister for Economic Development regarding proposed cuts in grant aid to the dairy and agriculture industries.

Deputy J.A. Martin of St. Helier asked a question of the Minister for Housing regardingthe potential rise in the number of private sector j' category employees.

Deputy G.P. Southern of St. Helier asked a question of the Minister of Economic Development regarding proposals to reduce support for the tourism industry as outlined in his draft 2008 departmental business plan.

The Connétable of Grouville asked a question of the Minister for Planning and Environment regarding the issue of planning permissions for mobile telephone masts in prime positions within the countryside.

The Deputy of St.  Martin asked a question of the Minister for Home regarding the compatibility ofthe Draft Prison (Amendment No.  6) (Jersey) Law 200- (P.18/2007) with the Human Rights (Jersey) Law 2000.

Deputy P.V.F. Le  Claire of St.  Helier asked a question of the Chief Minister regardingthe Island's existing relationship with Her Majesty's Government.

Deputy S.S.P.A. Power of St. Brelade asked a question of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding the appointment of ten additional staff for the processing of the new Goods and Services Tax.

The Connétable of Grouville asked a question of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding precautions to safeguard the health of the people who live in close proximity to mobile phone masts.

Oral Questions without notice (see Official Report)

The Minister for Social Security answered questions without notice from members. The Minister for Housing answered questions without notice from members.

Statements on a matter of official responsibility (see Official Report)

The Chief Minister made a statement regarding the signing of a framework for the development of Jersey's international identity.

The Chairman of the Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel made a statement regarding the Panel's interim retail report.

The Minister for Economic Development made a statement regarding service level agreements with the operators of the sea routes serving Jersey.

Composition and Election of the States Assembly: proposed reform – P.145/2006

THE STATES commenced consideration of the proposition of Senator Ben Edward Shenton regarding proposed reforms to the Composition and Election of the States Assembly and rejected an amendment of Deputy Geoffrey Peter Southern of St. Helier that in paragraph (a)(i)(1) for the words"the date currently fixed for the senatorial elections in that year" there be substituted the words "a date to be determined in the month of June of that year".

Members present voted as follows

POUR: 9 CONTRE: 40 ABSTAIN: 0

Deputy A. Breckon (S)

Deputy C.J. Scott Warr en (S) Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier (S) Deputy J.B. Fox (H)

Deputy J.A. Martin (H)

Deputy G.P. Southern (H) Deputy of Trinity

Deputy S. Pitman (H)

Deputy K.C. Lewis (S)


Senator L. Norman Senator F.H. Walker Senator T.A. Le  Sueur Senator P.F. Routier Senator M.E. Vibert Senator T.J. Le  Main Senator B.E. Shenton Senator F.E. Cohen Senator J.L. Perchard Connétable of St. Ouen Connétable of St. Mary Connétable of St. Peter

Connétable of St. Clement Connétable of St. Helier Connétable of Trinity Connétable of St. Lawrence Connétable of Grouville Connétable of St. Brelade Connétable of St. Martin Connétable of St. John

Deputy R.C. Duhamel (S) Deputy J.J. Huet (H)

Deputy of St.  Martin

Deputy G.C.L. Baudains (C) Deputy P.N. Troy (B)

Deputy S.C. Ferguson (B) Deputy of St.  Ouen

Deputy P.J.D. Ryan (H) Deputy of Grouville

Deputy of  St.  Peter

Deputy J.A. Hilton (H)

Deputy G.W.J. de Faye (H) Deputy P.V.F. Le Claire (H) Deputy J.A.N. Le Fondré (L) Deputy D.W. Mezbourian

(L)

Deputy S.S.P.A. Power (B) Deputy A.J.D. Maclean (H) Deputy of  St.  John

Deputy I.J. Gorst (C)

Deputy of St.  Mary

THE STATES rejected an amendment of Deputy Geoffrey Peter Southern of St.  Helier thatfor paragraph  (a)(i)(3) there be substituted the following paragraph –

"( 3 )  the right of the Connétable s to be members of the States by virtue of their office should cease in 2008

with any Connétable who wishes to be a member of the States being required to stand for the office of Deputy or Senator in the 2008 general election;".

and that for paragraph (a)(ii) there be substituted the following paragraph

" (i i ) that an additional eight Deputies' positions should be created and distributed proportionately to population across the Parishes to make a total membership of the Assembly of 49 from the date of the 2008 general election;".

Members present voted as follows

POUR: 4 CONTRE: 45 ABSTAIN: 0

Deputy J.J. Huet (H) Deputy P.N. Troy (B) Deputy G.P. Southern (H) Deputy S. Pitman (H)


Senator L. Norman Senator F.H. Walker Senator T.A. Le  Sueur Senator P.F. Routier Senator M.E. Vibert Senator T.J. Le  Main Senator B.E. Shenton Senator F.E. Cohen

Senator J.L. Perchard Connétable of St. Ouen Connétable of St. Mary Connétable of St. Peter Connétable of St. Clement Connétable of St. Helier Connétable of Trinity Connétable of St. Lawrence Connétable of Grouville Connétable of St. Brelade Connétable of St. Martin Connétable of St. John

Deputy R.C. Duhamel (S) Deputy A. Breckon (S)

Deputy of St.  Martin

Deputy G.C.L. Baudains (C) Deputy C.J. Scott Warr en (S) Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier (S) Deputy J.B. Fox (H)

Deputy J.A. Martin (H)

Deputy S.C. Ferguson (B) Deputy of St.  Ouen

Deputy P.J.D. Ryan (H) Deputy of Grouville

Deputy of St.  Peter

Deputy J.A. Hilton (H)

Deputy G.W.J. de Faye (H) Deputy P.V.F. Le Claire (H) Deputy J.A.N. Le Fondré (L) Deputy D.W. Mezbourian

(L)

Deputy of Trinity

Deputy S.S.P.A. Power (B) Deputy A.J.D. Maclean (H) Deputy K.C. Lewis (S)

Deputy of St.  John

Deputy I.J. Gorst (C)

Deputy of St.  Mary

THE STATES commenced consideration of the amendments of the Privileges and Procedures Committee and rejected amendments of Deputy John Alexander Nicholas Le  Fondré of St.  Lawrencethat –

  1. In amendment (1), inthesubstitutedsub-paragraph (1), for the words –

" a g e n e r a l election period should be held in 2008, with elections for 8 Senators, and Connétable s, on the date currently fixed for the senatorial elections in that year, with an election for 29  Deputies held shortly thereafter"

th e r e be substituted the words

" a s i n g le g eneral election day should be held in 2008, with elections for 8  Senators, Connétable s and 29  Deputies, on the date currently fixed for the Deputy elections in that year",

a n d f or the words "a further such general election period" there be substituted the words "a further such

general election".

  1. In amendment (1), for the substituted sub-paragraph  (2) there besubstituted the following sub-paragraph –

" (2 )     any person standing for election would only be permitted to stand for one position (out of Senator, Connétable or Deputy ) on the single election day."

  1. I n amendment (3)forthewords"2012 general election period" there besubstitutedthewords"2012 general election".

Members present voted as follows

POUR: 8 CONTRE: 42 ABSTAIN: 0

Senator L. Norman

Senator B.E. Shenton

Deputy P.N. Troy (B)

Deputy of St.  Ouen

Deputy of Grouville

Deputy J.A.N. Le Fondré (L) Deputy D.W. Mezbourian

(L)

Deputy I.J. Gorst (C)


Senator F.H. Walker Senator W. Kinnard Senator T.A. Le  Sueur Senator P.F. Routier Senator M.E. Vibert Senator P.F.C. Ozouf

Senator T.J. Le  Main

Senator F.E. Cohen

Senator J.L. Perchard Connétable of St. Ouen Connétable of St. Mary Connétable of St. Peter Connétable of St. Clement Connétable of Trinity Connétable of St. Lawrence Connétable of Grouville Connétable of St. Brelade Connétable of St. Martin Connétable of St. John

Deputy R.C. Duhamel (S) Deputy A. Breckon (S)

Deputy J.J. Huet (H)

Deputy of St.  Martin

Deputy G.C.L. Baudains (C) Deputy C.J. Scott Warr en (S) Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier (S) Deputy J.B. Fox (H)

Deputy J.A. Martin (H)

Deputy G.P. Southern (H) Deputy S.C. Ferguson (B) Deputy P.J.D. Ryan (H) Deputy of St. Peter

Deputy J.A. Hilton (H)

Deputy G.W.J. de  Faye (H) Deputy P.V.F. Le  Claire (H) Deputy of Trinity

Deputy S.S.P.A. Power (B) Deputy S. Pitman (H)

Deputy A.J.D. Maclean (H) Deputy K.C. Lewis (S)

Deputy of St. John

Deputy of St.  Mary

THE STATES rejected amendments of Deputy Alan Breckon of St. Saviour to the amendment of the Privileges and Procedures Committee that –

  1. in amendment (1), in the substituted sub-paragraph (1), for theword" Connétable s" there be substituted the words "29 Deputies", and for the words "29 Deputies" there be substituted theword " Connétable s";
  2. in amendment (1), in the substituted sub-paragraph (2), for the word" Connétable " there be substituted the word " Deputy ".

Members present voted as follows

POUR: 13 CONTRE: 36 ABSTAIN: 0

Senator B.E. Shenton Connétable of St. Ouen Connétable of Trinity Connétable of St. Brelade Connétable of St. John

Deputy R.C. Duhamel (S) Deputy A. Breckon (S)

Deputy J.J. Huet (H)

Deputy C.J. Scott Warr en (S) Deputy of St. Ouen

Deputy J.A.N. Le Fondré (L) Deputy D.W. Mezbourian

(L)

Deputy I.J. Gorst (C)


Senator L. Norman Senator F.H. Walker Senator W. Kinnard Senator T.A. Le  Sueur Senator P.F. Routier Senator M.E. Vibert Senator P.F.C. Ozouf Senator T.J. Le  Main Senator F.E. Cohen Senator J.L. Perchard Connétable of St. Mary

Connétable of St. Peter Connétable of St. Clement Connétable of St. Lawrence Connétable of Grouville Connétable of St. Martin Deputy of St.  Martin

Deputy G.C.L. Baudains (C) Deputy P.N. Troy (B)

Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier (S) Deputy J.B. Fox (H)

Deputy J.A. Martin (H) Deputy G.P. Southern (H) Deputy S.C. Ferguson (B) Deputy P.J.D. Ryan (H) Deputy of  St.  Peter

Deputy J.A. Hilton (H)

Deputy G.W.J. de  Faye (H) Deputy P.V.F. Le  Claire (H) Deputy of Trinity

Deputy S.S.P.A. Power (B) Deputy S. Pitman (H)

Deputy A.J.D. Maclean (H) Deputy K.C. Lewis (S)

Deputy of  St.  John

Deputy of St.  Mary

THE STATES rejected the amendments of the Privileges and Procedures Committee that –

(1 )  i n paragraph  (a)(i), for sub-paragraphs (1) to (4) there be substituted the following sub-paragraphs

" (1 ) a general election period should be held in 2008, with elections for 8 Senators, and Connétable s, on the date currently fixed for the senatorial elections in that year, with an election for 29 Deputies held shortly thereafter, with all successful candidates elected for a period of approximately years until the spring of 2012 when a further such general election period would be held;

( 2 )  n o person would be permitted to stand for election as both Senator and Connétable on the single

election day for these 2 positions;

( 3 ) a n y of the 6  Senators elected in 2005 who wish to do so should be permitted to resign from

office to stand in the 2008 election for 8  Senators with the resignation not taking effect until the swearing-in day of the successful candidates in that election, with any vacancies arising, for any reason, in the positions of those 6  Senators from that swearing-in day not then being filled;

( 4 )  a n y of the 12   Connétable s who wish to do so should be permitted to resign from office to stand

in the 2008 election for Connétable s with the resignation not to take effect until the swearing- in day of the successful candidates in that election, with appropriate arrangements being put in place to provide that, for any Connétable who did not exercise this option, the expiry of the next term of office after 2008 for that position would conclude on the date of the 2012 election for Connétable s, when all 12   Connétable s would be elected on one day."

(2 ) I n paragraph (a)(ii) for the words"the 2008 general election" there be substituted the words "the date

of expiry of the term of office of the 6  Senators elected in 2005, namely December  2011".

( 3 ) I n paragraph (a)(iii) for the words"2008 general election" there be substituted the words "2012

general election period."

(4 ) I n paragraph (a)(iv) after the words"general election" there be inserted the word "period". Members present voted as follows

POUR: 15 CONTRE: 35 ABSTAIN: 0

Senator M.E. Vibert

Senator B.E. Shenton Connétable of St. Mary Connétable of St. Clement Connétable of St. Helier Connétable of St. Martin Deputy G.C.L. Baudains (C) Deputy P.N. Troy (B)

Deputy C.J. Scott Warr en (S) Deputy J.B. Fox (H)

Deputy of  St.  Peter

Deputy J.A.N. Le Fondré (L) Deputy D.W. Mezbourian

(L)

Deputy I.J. Gorst (C)

Deputy of St.  Mary


Senator L. Norman

Senator F.H. Walker Senator W. Kinnard Senator T.A. Le  Sueur Senator P.F. Routier Senator P.F.C. Ozouf Senator T.J. Le  Main Senator F.E. Cohen

Senator J.L. Perchard Connétable of St. Ouen Connétable of Trinity Connétable of St. Lawrence

Connétable of Grouville Connétable of St. Brelade Connétable of St. John Deputy R.C. Duhamel (S) Deputy A. Breckon (S) Deputy J.J. Huet (H) Deputy of St.  Martin

Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier (S) Deputy J.A. Martin (H)

Deputy G.P. Southern (H) Deputy S.C. Ferguson (B) Deputy of St.  Ouen

Deputy P.J.D. Ryan (H) Deputy of Grouville

Deputy J.A. Hilton (H)

Deputy G.W.J. de  Faye (H) Deputy P.V.F. Le  Claire (H) Deputy of Trinity

Deputy S.S.P.A. Power (B) Deputy S. Pitman (H)

Deputy A.J.D. Maclean (H) Deputy K.C. Lewis (S)

Deputy of  St.  John

THE STATES rejected the amendment of the Privileges and Procedures Committee that after paragraph  (b) there be inserted a new paragraph  (c) as follows –

" ( c ) to agree that the above proposed reform package should be submitted to the electorate in a referendum to be held as soon as practicable."

and that paragraph  (c) should be renumbered as (d) accordingly.

Members present voted as follows

POUR: 14 CONTRE: 37 ABSTAIN: 0

Senator L. Norman

Senator M.E. Vibert Connétable of St. Mary Connétable of St. Clement Deputy A. Breckon (S)

Deputy C.J. Scott Warr en (S) Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier (S) Deputy J.B. Fox (H)

Deputy J.A. Martin (H)

Deputy G.P. Southern (H) Deputy of  St.  Peter

Deputy of Trinity

Deputy S. Pitman (H)

Deputy of St.  Mary


Senator F.H. Walker Senator W. Kinnard

Senator T.A. Le  Sueur Senator P.F. Routier Senator P.F.C. Ozouf Senator T.J. Le  Main Senator B.E. Shenton Senator F.E. Cohen

Senator J.L. Perchard Connétable of St. Ouen Connétable of St. Peter Connétable of St. Helier Connétable of Trinity Connétable of St. Lawrence Connétable of Grouville Connétable of St. Brelade Connétable of St. Martin Connétable of St. John Deputy R.C. Duhamel (S) Deputy J.J. Huet (H) Deputy of St.  Martin Deputy G.C.L. Baudains (C) Deputy P.N. Troy (B) Deputy S.C. Ferguson (B) Deputy of St.  Ouen

Deputy P.J.D. Ryan (H)

Deputy of Grouville

Deputy J.A. Hilton (H)

Deputy G.W.J. de Faye (H) Deputy P.V.F. Le Claire (H) Deputy J.A.N. Le Fondré (L) Deputy D.W. Mezbourian

(L)

Deputy S.S.P.A. Power (B) Deputy A.J.D. Maclean (H) Deputy K.C. Lewis (S)

Deputy of  St.  John

Deputy I.J. Gorst (C)

THE STATES resumed consideration of the proposition of Senator Ben Edward Shenton concerning the Composition and Election of the States Assembly: proposed reform.

Adjournment

THE STATES adjourned, and agreed to reconvene on Wednesday 2nd May 2007 to continue the discussion of the proposition of Senator Ben Edward Shenton Composition and Election of the States Assembly: proposed reform' (P.145/2006) and other outstanding items of public business.

THE STATES rose at 5.30 p.m.

M.N. DE LA HAYE Greffier of the States