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6. The Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding the proposed sale of the former Sunshine Hotel and Cottage
6.1 Senator T.A. Le Sueur (The Minister for Treasury and Resources):
On 10th January 2007, I presented to the States a report on decisions made under Standing Order 168 which included the sale of the site of the former Sunshine Hotel and Cottage for a consideration of £2,100,000, that being the highest offer submitted following an open invitation to tender. I was informed towards the end of last week that J.F. Marett and Son Limited, which had submitted the highest tender and with whom a contract could have been concluded, would not proceed with the purchase of the sites and that their offer of £2,100,000 was withdrawn. Having considered the next highest tender for the sites, I have decided not to accept this tender. Property holders will now meet with the Minister for Housing to review the position before a decision is made on whether or not to re-offer the site for sale for development to first-time buyers or what other options are available.
- Deputy J.A. Martin:
I am sorry to learn that the bid was pulled out. Given that we are awaiting the population report which will look into the age in population and the impact on everything else, would the Treasury Minister give us a serious assurance that another option to be considered - which is also much needed in the housing plan - is that this site, as already owned and already been paid for, will be seriously considered for sheltered housing as it is an ideal position for the elderly?
Senator T.A. Le Sueur :
I am happy to confirm that I shall examine as wide a range of options as possible in conjunction with the Minister for Housing and others and I certainly take on board the point that it may well be a suitable site for sheltered housing. We have to evaluate and find out.
- Deputy A. Breckon:
I wonder if the Minister could confirm that I advised him that I was seeking to lodge a report and proposition not to sell this land at the tender price.
Senator T.A. Le Sueur : I can confirm that, yes.
- Deputy A. Breckon:
Could the Minister give an assurance that you will keep Members informed after the position has been reviewed with the Minister for Housing and others?
Senator T.A. Le Sueur :
I am sure that can be done. Without knowing at this stage what conclusions the Minister for Housing and myself might come to. It is difficult to say what form that might take.
Deputy A. Breckon:
I did not ask him what form. I said, could he give an assurance that he had informed Members?
Senator J. Le Sueur : Yes, Sir.
- Deputy J.B. Fox of St. Helier :
The States continue to rent a considerable amount of property which, we are told, will be for 5 years, 9 years, et cetera. Could part of the review be to look at the properties that we are still currently renting and see whether this site would not be better used to facilitate some long-term occupation by building our own for long-term use? Thank you, Sir.
Senator T.A. Le Sueur :
To the extent to which that will impact on the options for the site, I will certainly do so, Sir, but I do not really want to open this up into a complete discussion with the Housing Minister on his property plans for the whole of the Island's social housing policies. This is an area for which the Treasury Minister is responsible as representing property holdings but housing policy is a matter for the Minister for Housing.
Deputy J.B. Fox:
I just wanted to clarify, I was not seeking it for the Housing Minister, I was seeking it for Property Holdings for which he is responsible. Thank you.
Senator T.A. Le Sueur : I note that.
The Deputy Bailiff :
Very well. We come next to a statement which the Minister for Planning and Environment will make regarding the appointment of Assistant Minister.