This content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost. Let us know if you find any major problems.
Text in this format is not official and should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments. Please see the PDF for the official version of the document.
WQ.177/2024
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS BY DEPUTY H.L. JEUNE OF ST. JOHN, ST. LAWRENCE AND TRINITY QUESTION SUBMITTED ON TUESDAY 7th MAY 2024
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON WEDNESDAY 15th MAY 2024
Question
“In relation to private vessels visiting Herm, and the requirement for them to go to Guernsey first, will the Minister advise what discussions, if any, he has had with Guernsey to resolve this requirement, what actions were agreed and when this matter might be resolved?”
Answer
It has always been a requirement for private vessels arriving in the Bailiwick of Guernsey to do so at an approved port. These are designated as Braye Harbour in Alderney, Beaucette Marina in Guernsey, St Sampson's Harbour in Guernsey, and St Peter Port Harbour in Guernsey. Vessels are not permitted to arrive directly to anywhere else in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, including Herm and Sark.
The Government of Jersey respects this customs requirement and recognises that its enforcement is a responsibility of the Guernsey Border Agency. Ministers are equally aware, however, of views expressed by some Jersey-based boat operators about these customs arrangements. We are aware that the Guernsey Border Agency are reviewing certain legal requirements in this area.
This matter has been raised by Ports of Jersey with Guernsey Harbours in view of the likely detrimental impact it will have on visitor numbers from Jersey to Sark and Herm. Ministers will also raise this in discussions with our colleagues in Guernsey as part of efforts to encourage travel between the Channel Islands, although we must ultimately respect the enforcement of Customs requirements by the Guernsey Border Agency.