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2.9 The Deputy of St. John of the Minister for Economic Development regarding the length of time the fisheries vessel the Norman Le Brocq has been out of service over the last 12 months:
Would the Minister advise Members of the length of time the fisheries vessel, the Norman Le Brocq, has been out of service over the last 12 months and the reasons for this?
Senator A.J.H. Maclean (The Minister for Economic Development): Could I ask my Assistant Minister to deal with this matter?
Connétable L. Norman of St. Clement (Assistant Minister for Economic Development - rapporteur):
The fisheries vessel, Norman Le Brocq, has been out of service for 21 weeks in the last 12 months. This is to undergo a full 10 year refit to extend its life for another 10 years.
- The Deputy of St. John :
As some years ago the area of sea to be policed by the Jersey Fisheries vessel was increased considerably and given the importance of the policing presence in Jersey waters, can the Assistant Minister explain how the Fisheries work is being undertaken at the moment and whether or not a temporary vessel has been brought in to cover this 21 week period?
The Connétable of St. Clement :
Yes, other vessels have been used during the period that the Norman Le Brocq is not available including harbour vehicles, the department's own other vessel and, indeed, some commercial vessels as well.
- Deputy S. Pitman:
Most of the questions that I want to ask have been answered, but with the vessel that has been in place has it been able to fully police the fisheries laws?
The Connétable of St. Clement :
The Fisheries Law has been fully policed. Of course, without this vessel we have not been able to go as far and as often as we wish but, you know, this vessel is 12 years old, needed its refit, is having its refit and will be fit for purpose when it returns in the next week or 2.
- Deputy S. Pitman:
Has the vessel that has been put in place been able to police the laws as effectively as the Norman Le Brocq?
The Connétable of St. Clement :
The Norman Le Brocq is a specialised vessel designed specifically for the Island to be able to carry out the fisheries protection duties around the Island and we have no identical vessel, so the answer clearly is no. But certainly the work at the Fisheries Department has continued at pace and only last week some 4 French vessels were boarded. There has been no let up in fishery protection effort.
- Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier:
Is the Assistant Minister aware, and a remarkable display of public duty, the Deputy of St. John and friends are often to be observed standing up with binoculars plotting the movements of the Norman Le Brocq?
The Connétable of St. Clement :
The department and I are extremely grateful for the efforts of the Deputy of St. John and his friends.
- The Deputy of St. John :
I wish that one had not been put in because it has thrown me a bit. [Laughter] Given
that some 5 months is taken for a refit and new vessels can be built in far shorter time of greater proportion and greater value, does the Minister or Assistant Minister consider that the States of Jersey are dragging their feet through his department in not making sure this work was carried out far more efficiently and in a much shorter period of time?
The Connétable of St. Clement :
To the best of my knowledge and understanding, the work is being carried out extremely efficiently. We are spending around about £300,000 on this major refit after which, when it is completed, we will have a vessel worth something like over £1 million, so I think it is well worth the job.
- The Deputy of St. John :
Is the Minister aware that you can build a whole new vessel for £300,000 in a matter of 4 to 5 weeks?
The Connétable of St. Clement :
I am not aware. I will accept what the Deputy is saying but then we would have a vessel which would not be as efficient or effective as the Norman Le Brocq will be when she returns later this month.