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STATEMENT TO BE MADE BY DEPUTY M.A. TAYLOR OF ST. CLEMENT ON 24th JULY 2003
I wish to make a personal statement as I am aware that one member has raised concerns with the President of the Economic Development Committee, Deputy F.G. Voisin about a possible conflict of interest between my position as a shellfish exporter and the various positions of responsibility I hold as a States member.
I was a commercial fisherman for 30 years but I no longer fish or own my own boat. I have operated a shellfish export business for over 10 years, exporting lobster, crab and scallops to France. Fishermen choose whether they sell their catch to me on a week by week basis and I sell the shellfish to various French merchants.
The concerns raised seem to be that in my role as Chairman of the Jersey Fishermen's Association, Chairman of the Agriculture and Fisheries Advisory Board and Chairman of the Sea Fisheries and Marine Resources Advisory Panel, along with being a States member, I may receive privileged information which could enable me to make a financial gain.
In over 15 years as Chairman of the Jersey Fishermen's Association and having a seat on the Sea fisheries and Marine Resources Advisory Panel, I have never gained financially in any way whatsoever. In fact having had to attend many various meetings over many years has cost me some thousands of pounds.
I have spoken to fishing colleagues, to other exporters – my competitors, to the Bailiff , to some States members and others, and neither they, nor myself can imagine any situation where in my various roles, and having an export business that I could receive any information which could benefit me financially.
I therefore completely refute the suggestion made that I have a conflict of interest and feel strongly that I should continue in the position I currently hold unless anyone can show with examples, and/or some facts and figures, that this is inappropriate. I would add that if at any time during any of the meetings I am involved in it becomes apparent that a matter is being discussed in which I had an interest I will, of course, declare that interest in the usual way and withdraw.