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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHIEF MINISTER BY DEPUTY G.C.L. BAUDAINS OF ST CLEMENT
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 15th JANUARY 2008
Question
Under Article 27(2) of the States of Jersey Law 2005, the Chief Minister may, during the absence of another Minister, either personally discharge the functions of that Minister or designate another Minister to discharge the functions of that Minister. During the recent Christmas recess, several Ministers, including the Chief Minister, were absent from the Island.
Does the Chief Minister recognise that work continues regardless, and the public – as well as other members – may have need to contact a Minister and if so, in future will a list be circulated to members declaring who has responsibility for which Ministry during such breaks?
Answer
It is fully appreciated that States business continues throughout public holiday periods. Article 27(2) of the States of Jersey Law 2005 clearly lays out the procedures to be followed in the absence of a Minister and I can confirm that over the Christmas period the Deputy Chief Minister deputised in my absence.
Whilst I am sure that individual Ministers make appropriate arrangements for contact and decision- making during periods of absence, I am happy to consider whether such arrangements need to be made clearer to Members. I will therefore raise this issue at the next meeting of the Council of Ministers in order to consider whether there is scope to make these arrangements clearer in the future with a view to publishing cover arrangements for major holiday periods.