has the committee received a final scoping report from the JCRA regarding the viability of having two separate car ferry companies on the Jersey St malo route

1240/5(1835)

QUESTION TO BE ASKED OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE HARBOURS AND AIRPORT COMMITTEE ON TUESDAY, 1st APRIL 2003, BY THE DEPUTY OF ST. JOHN

Question

1. Will the President inform memberswhether the Committeehas received the final report and scoping study from the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority, (J.C.R.A.), regarding the viability of having twoseparate car ferry companies,namelyCondor Ferries Limited and Emeraude Lines, operating the Jersey-St.Malo route for a 12 month service period,and,if not, explain theCommittee's rationale ingranting a licence to Condor Ferries Limited priortohavingreceivedtheJ.C.R.A.'s report?
2. Will the President inform members whether Condor Ferries Limited and Emeraude Lines signed a memorandumof understanding with the J.C.R.A.tosupply any relevant information to assist in determining whether theroutewasviable for more than oneoperator,and,if either party failed to comply,the reasons for this?
3. Will the Presidentinformmembersof the cost to the States of the J.C.R.A.study to date,andwhatthe final cost would be if the study was to becompleted?
4. Will the President inform memberswhether the Committee is tobring the matterof shipping routes between St. Helier and St. Malo to the States for debate, and, if not, give the reasonsforthis?

Answer

1. A J.C.R.A. scoping study, "Competition Effects in the CarFerryServicesMarket Serving the Island of Jersey", was received bytheCommitteein June 2002, and a CarFerry Study was received in March 2003. No further work hasbeencommissionedby the Harbours and Airport Committee from the J.C.R.A.
2. It is my understanding that EmeraudeLines have signed a memorandumof understanding with the J.C.R.A. and that Condor Ferries Limited have not. However, it is also myunderstanding that Condor Ferries have supplied information onroute viability, butEmeraudeLines have not. I cannotspeculate on thereasons for this.
3. The Scoping Study cost £11,839.58. I understand that theEconomicDevelopment Committee have received an invoice in the sum of £16,731.40 for the Car Ferry Study. The J.C.R.A. have quoted £45,000 plus consultancy, travel and disbursements for a phase 2 CarFerryStudy.
4. With shipping routes to and from the Island showingsustainedand steady growth, the Committeeconsiders that a Statesdebateat this time will not assist this process further.