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6. The Minister for Economic Development in relation to the Fisheries and Marine Resources Panel
6.1 Senator P.F.C. Ozouf (The Minister for Economic Development):
I wish to inform the Assembly that it is with pleasure that I have appointed the Connétable of St. Brelade as a Member and Vice-Chairman of the Fisheries and Marine Resources Panel. The Panel is an important body, which acts as a liaison between the various different fishery and professional and amateur associations; the fisheries section in the Environment Department and the Harbours Department. The Panel has a long history of positive interaction. It is vital that a highly respected Member of this Assembly takes part in the deliberations of the Panel. Past Panel members have included former Deputy Norman Le Brocq; former Constable of St. Clement , Mr. Stan Le Cornu; Deputy Robert Duhamel; and the current Deputy of St. Martin and former Deputy , Mike Taylor . The Panel acts as an excellent sounding-board, commenting on policies for managing the marine resources in the 800 square miles of sea around the Island, which I know are dear to the heart of many Islanders. Panel members meet with both French and U.K. colleagues and are in an excellent position to provide advice that assists with the ministerial decision-making process and the creation or amendment of legislation to conserve and sustain our marine populations and ecosystems. The Connétable of St. Brelade is uniquely qualified, with a strong maritime background and interest in fisheries. I am delighted that he has accepted and thank him for his future positive contribution to this important Panel.
Deputy G.P. Southern :
I assume that such an appointment will not interfere in any way with the Constable's activities on Scrutiny, and that he will not be compromised in looking at matters there. I further seek assurance from the Minister that this is not a precursor to some devilish scheme to subvert my favourite Constable into some ministerial role. [Members: Oh!]
Senator P.F.C. Ozouf :
On the issue of impartiality and proper probity, in relation to Scrutiny matters I am sure that the Deputy and I will agree on one thing: that the Constable is beyond reproach in that regard and that I am sure the Constable will stand aside for any issues if the Scrutiny Panel wants to examine anything to do with a Scrutiny matter. I share the Deputy 's view of the high regard of the Constable. I am sure that he will agree with me that out of all Members of this Assembly, the Constable of St. Brelade is uniquely qualified to assist in the whole maritime area and the development of our important fisheries industry.
Connétable M.J. Jackson of St. Brelade :
I think it is probably appropriate, first of all, for me to thank the Minister of Economic Development for the trust proposed in me on this and, also, to pledge my support to my favourite Scrutiny Panel Chairman. [Laughter]