The official version of this document can be found via the PDF button.
The below content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost, therefore it should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments.
2.4 Deputy T.M. Pitman of the Attorney General regarding allegations against the former Minister for Housing:
Would Her Majesty's Attorney General advise whether allegations against the former Minister for Housing will be the subject of a criminal prosecution and, if so, when?
Mr. T.J. Le Cocq Q.C., H.M. Attorney General:
It is fundamental to the independence of the Police and Prosecution Authorities that they are free from any political pressure or interference or any requirement to account in this Assembly for how they exercise their functions and discretions in areas of investigation or prosecution. Being asked in the Assembly about what investigations may be taking place and when a decision may be made may be construed as an attempt to put improper pressure on the Attorney General or the Police. I accordingly decline to answer this question.
2.4.1 Deputy T.M. Pitman:
Can I have a supplementary, then? I do find it a bit strange that these questions have been asked and answered before but then perhaps it depends on the person. Could the Attorney General - and I think he can answer this - given the amount of public concern following the treatment of the former Chief of Police that there may be some form of cover-up in this investigation, can the Attorney General advise what impact it is likely to have on Jersey's reputation that members of the public have now got their contact with members of the U.K. Government?
The Bailiff :
I do not know what that has got to do with the question just asked. [Aside] Too far off from it, I am afraid.
Deputy M. Tadier :
It is a point of order. A question is being asked of the Attorney General and it is not clear to whom it refers and I am worried that because there have been several former Ministers for Housing, even in my recent memory, and we might be impugning somebody incorrectly, would the Deputy care to state who he is referring to?
The Bailiff :
You cannot ask a question of the Deputy .
Deputy M. Tadier :
I am asking a question of the Chair, Sir, because it seems to me The Bailiff :
You just asked the question of the Deputy .
Deputy M. Tadier :
Can you ask the Deputy for me, Sir, seeing as you are the Chair? [Aside] [Laughter]
The Bailiff :
No.
Deputy M. Tadier :
But is it a point of order?
The Bailiff :
The question has been approved in that form and that is way it lies, Deputy . [15:15]