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3.4 Deputy T.M. Pitman of the Minister for Home Affairs regarding the investigation of complaints regarding allegations of breaches of the Public Elections (Jersey) Law 2002 during the 2008 elections:
Would the Minister clarify whether all complaints regarding allegations of breaches of the Public Elections (Jersey) Law 2002 during the 2008 elections were investigated and pursued equally and, if not, why not?
Senator B.I. Le Marquand (The Minister for Home Affairs):
This is yet another question which partly relates to 2 prosecutions which are currently pending. The question, therefore, relates partly to matters which are currently sub judice. The question is, therefore, in my view, grossly improper and I am only willing to answer it under protest, which I do with 2 answers; the first of which is yes and the second of which is yes.
3.4.1 Deputy T.M. Pitman:
I thank the Minister for his answer. Could I just ask if he could perhaps clarify the following statement from the complainant in St. Helier No. 3 who complained to the police and was told unfortunately that it was a civil matter and he should go the Citizen's Advice Bureau; then complained to the Judicial Greffe who said, and I quote: "I should clarify that this matter does not fall within my own jurisdiction. However, I am quite sure that the Solicitor General, as the returning officer for the constituency in question, and a Law Officer will address matters." He then contacted the Solicitor General who, after a few days, told him: "Unfortunately my responsibilities in that capacity have now lapsed. However, I would suggest that he contact the police who have responsibility for such matters." No one taking responsibility, no investigation. How can that be? Nothing to do with sub judice.
Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
Well, I only take responsibility in answering questions for the police. I, therefore, cannot account for the actions of the Judicial Greffe, the Solicitor General or anybody else. It does not seem to me that that particular complaint has yet come to the attention of the police and if the complainant wishes it to be investigated, then they should most certainly bring it to the attention of the police.