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STATEMENTS ON A MATTER OF OFFICIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Bailiff :
I have notice of a statement which is to be made by the Minister for Treasury and Resources.
5.1 Senator T.A. Le Sueur (The Minister for Treasury and Resources):
This perhaps is superfluous, after the statement I made in respect of the withdrawal of 2 projets, but on 30th May 2006, Projet 65 was lodged au Greffe', and this was closely followed on 5th June 2006 by the lodging of P.68. Projet 65 seeks authority to lift the covenant which restricts the uses permitted over the larger part of Howard Davies Farm and Projet 68 proposes the sale of part of that site to the Jersey Milk Marketing Board. Since these projets were lodged, there has been further correspondence with relatives of the benefactor, T.B. Davies, and further discussions with the Jersey Milk Marketing Board. A report by Promar on the dairy industry has been commissioned by the Chief Minister's Department and the Economic Development Department in conjunction with the relevant Scrutiny Panel. This report is due for publication next month and will no doubt take a view as to whether Howard Davies Farm is an appropriate site for the dairy. The Public Accounts Committee has also commented on Projet 68. So, in these circumstances, I have decided to withdraw both projets, which were scheduled for debate on 21st November 2006. However, the covenants and the future of the dairy remain of high importance, and I intend to lodge new propositions related to these matters in due course.
- Deputy G.P. Southern :
Could the Minister state for Members what part the substantial delay in the production of the Promar report played in his decision to delay debate on this issue? I believe it was 5 weeks.
Senator T.A. Le Sueur :
Yes, I think that was one element, but it certainly was not the entire elements. I think, as further information and correspondence has come to light from members of the Davies family, I have taken a broader view, in the light of fuller information.
- The Deputy of St. John :
I wonder if the Minister could give any assurances that any of the land that has just been discussed will not be sold for any commercial development in the future? Perhaps that is difficult to say until you have lifted the covenant, but it is of concern to particular members of the Davies family, some of whom are present today, Sir. Thank you.
Senator T.A. Le Sueur :
There is no intention on my part to release any of the land for housing or commercial development purposes, other than at the present time there is a possibility of the dairy. It is the only one that is on my horizon.
- Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier:
Is the Minister aware that, irrespective of proposals that have been put forward, the dairy industry is in desperate straits at the moment and any delay is only going to serve to exacerbate the situation? When has he assured them that this matter will move forward and some kind of effective decision be taken?
Senator T.A. Le Sueur :
I have given the Milk Marketing Board no assurances. I am in regular contact with the Board in respect of these matters. They fully understand the situation and they are working with us in order to achieve a successful outcome. It depends on a variety of factors and only when all these ducks are in place - metaphorically - that this will be able to proceed. One of those is the outcome of the Promar report.
- Deputy G.P. Southern :
Will the Minister use his influence with the Chief Minister to ensure that the Promar report - which is quite extensive - is not accelerated by means of cutting-short the consultation period, which I believe is 4 weeks, at least? Over that report, will he use his best efforts with the Chief Minister to make sure that that does not happen?
Senator T.A. Le Sueur :
As far as I am concerned, Sir, the Promar report has been commissioned by the Chief Minister's Department and the Economic Development Minister and the relevant Scrutiny Panel. It is for them to ensure that that process is carried out in a fair and proper way, and I do not intend to interfere with that process.
- Deputy J.A. Hilton:
Acorn Industries currently provide work for 40 adults with learning disabilities on the site in question. Can the Minister assure the House that, in the event that Acorn Industries lose the site, every effort will be made to relocate them elsewhere?
Senator T.A. Le Sueur :
I think that is rather tenuous; this particular statement, Sir. I have no suggestion that Acorn could be losing their site, but if they were to lose that site, I am sure that I and all the Members of this House would wish to relocate them in an equivalent or better position.
- Deputy K.C. Lewis :
The Minister spoke of new correspondence and evidence possibly coming to light. Would he make this available to the Dairy Sub-Panel for scrutiny?
Senator T.A. Le Sueur :
I really do not think that that correspondence is relevant to the economic effect of whether the dairy should or should not be on that site. It is to do with the covenant on that land.