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2.1 Deputy G.C.L. Baudains of St. Clement of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding the sale of Jersey Telecom:
Will the Minister undertake not to seek to debate the proposition to sell Jersey Telecom until the structural separation and issues relating to the powers of the J.C.R.A. (Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority) have been resolved so as not to create a climate of uncertainty in the market place?
Senator T.A. Le Sueur (The Minister for Treasury and Resources):
I remain firmly committed to reveal that the sale of all or at least a majority of the shares in Jersey Telecom would be in the best long-term interests of the States, the Island residents as consumers, and of the employees of Jersey Telecom. Having spoken to the management of Jersey Telecom and having heard from representatives of the workforce, I am also aware of the damaging effect which has arisen from the ongoing delay in this debate. However, I am also aware that there are a number of uncertainties in the minds of many States Members for a variety of reasons and this has been aggravated by recent activities which impinge on the activities and capabilities of the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority. At this stage, there are still some unresolved issues regarding the capacity of the J.C.R.A. to properly regulate the company which the Economic Development Minister is currently addressing. I aim to have further discussions with my fellow Ministers during
the coming week, but I have to acknowledge that in the present climate I believe that unless I am able to resolve some of the unanswered questions in Members' minds, it could be unwise to proceed with the debate on the sale of Jersey Telecom at this time. I aim to make a definitive statement to the House within the next 2 weeks following meetings with the parties concerned.
The Deputy Bailiff :
We will come to question 2 and if I may, I meant to say this at the beginning; there are a large number of questions so I do invite Members to be as concise as possible.
Senator M.E. Vibert :
While you are on the questions, just looking through the written questions and answers, can I ask that question 11 be looked at again because the figures do not seem to make any sense to me?
The Deputy Bailiff :
I am sure the Chairman will note that.