Statement of President of Privileges and Procedures Committee re Ongoing work of PPC

STATEMENT TO BE MADE BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PRIVILEGES AND PROCEDURES COMMITTEE ON TUESDAY, 24th JUNE 2003

On behalf of the Privileges and Procedures Committee, I am making a statement to update members on the work of the Committee -

1. Remuneration

1. Following the approval by the States of the proposition of Senator E.P. Vibert to establish an independent review panel to consider the level of remuneration, a sub-committee has been formed under the Vice-President and with Senator Vibert as a member to draw up the terms of reference for the panel and to consider its membership.
2. During our research into remuneration, it became apparent that the existing requirement of means testing is widely regarded as unfair and inappropriate. The Committee will consider bringing forward a proposition shortly, requesting approval for the removal of the means test, probably at the same time as the establishment of the review panel and related issues.

2. Scrutiny

1. Members will recall that the Committee hosted several seminars on Scrutiny in advance of the lodging of its report and proposition P.79/2003 on 10th June. 2003
2. A final seminar was held on 16th June 2003, to present the report to members and officers, with the aim of summarising the Committee's rationale in arriving at its proposals and also giving those who attended the opportunity to raise issues and ask questions in advance of the debate here in the States. The Committee is keen to receive comments from members on the proposals, and I would reiterate the invitation for members to meet the Committee given in my letter of 18th June. In order to allow sufficient time  for this, the  Committee  have requested  22nd July  2003 to debate this issue in replacement of its initial choice, 8th July 2003.
3. The Committee is recommending the introduction of two shadow' scrutiny panels in the latter part of this year to further inform its work, allowing those involved to gain some experience and receive dedicated training for the new skills required in the process. The Committee is aware that these panels will not be exactly the same system described in P.79/2003. It is hoped, that all Committees will provide support for this trial and we are grateful for the support already expressed by many.
4. The Human Resources Department has begun some training in this area for officers. Contact has been made with providers in the UK for politicians also and the first training session for officers is scheduled for 30th June.

3. Facilities for Members

1. Following the States approval of funding for Phase II of the States Building in January of this year, the construction work and decorating is nearing completion. The former Régistre has been substantially refurbished and remodelled to include 3 interview rooms and space for a library and working area.
2. The former Public Library gallery has also been transformed into a working area. It is hoped that all these new facilities will be furnished for members use by the autumn session. In addition, there will be four rooms available for committee meetings. The possibility of utilising the ground floor of Morier House for researchers and other staff employed to scrutinize the executive is currently being investigated.  

4. Code of Conduct

The Committee is continuing its work in this area following the States approval of the Draft Code of Conduct for elected members of the States, P.32/2003 and will be taking into account the comments made during the debate on P.32/2003, in the Code which will be part of the new Standing Orders.

5. States of Jersey Law

1. In accordance with its terms of reference, the Committee is currently consulting with the Bailiff on it proposals for the new States of Jersey Law.
2. A comprehensive law drafting brief has been compiled, with the assistance of Mr. Mike Entwistle and a small sub-committee. This is already with the Law Draftsman's department so that preparation can begin to enable the introduction of the ministerial system, proposed for January 2005.

6. Public Access to Information

1. The consultation paper on Public Access to Official Information (or Freedom of Information as itis more commonly known) was presented to the States on 25th March 2003. (RC 15),
2. A Freedom of Information Working Party, comprising of H.M. Attorney General, the Vice-President and members of the Privileges and Procedures Committee, members of the Legislation Committee and officers from the Law Officers' Department, is examining the complex interdependencies of any proposed Freedom of Information legislation, the existing Official Secrets Law, the Data Protection Law (soon to be amended), the Human Rights Law and other legislation, along with the possibility of improving as an interim measure the current Code of Practice on Public Access to Official information.

7. Hansard

Following a period of consultation, the Committee lodged its proposition, P.81/2003, on 17th June with a view to a debate in the early part of the autumn session.

8. Simultaneous Electronic Voting

The States approved the Committee's proposition for a system of simultaneous electronic voting in March. The Public Services Department and Department of Electronics are arranging for the installation and the system should be available for use early in the autumn session. Particular attention has been given to the design of the voting buttons, to ensure that they are both user friendly to all and aesthetically in keeping with the Chamber.

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