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3.2 Connétable P.J. Rondel of St. John of the Minister for Economic Development regarding a new freight area, associated car park and access roads for Hanger8:
Would the Minister give estimated costs of providing alternative provision for a new freight area, associated car park and access roads to enable Hanger8 to establish operations in Jersey on the existing freight buildings and car park site, and advise whether the funds are inscribed into the department's current capital or revenue budgets or whether the works will be deferred until after the incorporation of the Harbours and Airport?
Senator A.J.H. Maclean (The Minister for Economic Development):
The cost estimate for the proposed work that the Connétable refers to is commercially sensitive due to the pre-qualification and tendering processes. The tendering process, when approved to commence, will utilise the Procurement Unit e-tender portal. The project will be funded entirely from the Airport's Trading Fund and not from the budget of the Economic Development Department or central reserves and is not dependent upon incorporation.
- The Connétable of St. John :
Is the funding then allowed for over the next 3-year business plan and, if so, where will I find it in the business plan please?
Senator A.J.H. Maclean:
The funds for this project are contained within the Airport Trading Fund. The project itself in terms of this cargo facility was intended to be refurbished. There are funds available for refurbishing. That project, of course, will not go ahead if this proposed build goes ahead. A Shadow Board have looked at it and as far as they are concerned it is moving to the next stage, which is ensuring that due process is followed and that a maximum return on capital employed is secured.
- Deputy M.R. Higgins:
Can the Minister explain how it can be commercially sensitive if it is a States department that is carrying out the removal works? Surely the Airport is accountable to this Assembly through the Minister's department, so could the Minister explain how it can be classed as commercially sensitive. What we are talking about are the movement of existing buildings ...
The Bailiff :
I think you have put the question. How can it be qualified as commercially sensitive? Senator A.J.H. Maclean:
It is commercially sensitive quite simply that we do not want to announce, and I certainly would not wish to announce in a public forum, the expected costs of such a project when we are going out to tender, hopefully, which would give advantages to tenderers. We want to maximise return for the public on funds invested and we cannot do that if that type of public statement is made at this stage.
The Bailiff :
Do you wish a final question, Connétable ? The Connétable of St. John :
Only one, Sir?
The Bailiff :
Yes.
- The Connétable of St. John :
Given that we cannot get the information from the Minister because he is trying to hide behind confidentiality, which in my view is totally corrupt, is the Minister ...
The Bailiff :
No, no, no.
The Connétable of St. John :
That is my view, Sir.
The Bailiff :
You cannot allege that he is corrupt, now you know that.
The Connétable of St. John :
That is a view I am expressing.
The Bailiff :
No, you may not.
The Connétable of St. John :
In my mind, I said.
The Bailiff :
You may not express such a view under Standing Orders. Please withdraw it. The Connétable of St. John :
Well, I do not know, Sir.
The Bailiff :
Please withdraw it, Connétable .
The Connétable of St. John :
Can I give that some thought?
The Bailiff :
No, you may not give it some thought. I am directing you now to withdraw it. The Connétable of St. John :
Well, if you are directing me to withdraw it, then I will follow the lead of the Chair but I do so with regret.
The Bailiff :
Very well, thank you. That is all you need to say on the subject. [Laughter] The Connétable of St. John :
That being the case, is the Minister prepared to send this item to Scrutiny so it can be properly reviewed by a Scrutiny Panel?
Senator A.J.H. Maclean:
Quite naturally we have discussed this matter with Scrutiny. The Connétable has asked a number of questions in this area before and I know the chairman and members, possibly, of his Scrutiny Panel have attended upon the Group Chief Executive of the Ports to discuss this matter. It is with Scrutiny. As far as I am aware they are satisfied but if they are not I am sure they will raise their concerns in the appropriate way.