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5. Statement by Connétable D.F. Gray of St. Clement regarding the use of Members' facilities
5.1 Connétable D.F. Gray (Chairman, Privileges and Procedures Committee):
As this is the last meeting before the summer recess, many Members will be looking towards the elections in the autumn. The Privileges and Procedures Committee believe it appropriate to remind all Members of the conditions of use of the Members' facilities in the States Building as set out in R.112 of 2007 which was presented to the States on 14th December 2007. As set out in the conditions of use, the facilities are provided at taxpayers' expense and it is, therefore, essential they are not used for electoral purposes or for the benefits of outside organisations. P.P.C. believes it is timely to remind all Members it would be totally inappropriate use of public funds for the facilities such as the photocopier to be used to photocopy electoral material to promote individual candidates or political organisations. As made clear in the report presented last December, P.P.C. will take any breach of the rules very seriously and if P.P.C. is made aware that the facilities have been misused, the Committee will consider withdrawing access to the facilities from the Member or Members concerned for a stated period. The Committee very much hopes that this will not be necessary.
- Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier:
Notwithstanding that excellent advice, would the Chairman be able to tell us whether trumpeting Ministerial initiatives will also fall under his wrath?
Connétable D.F. Gray of St. Clement : They do not fall under my role.
- Senator M.E. Vibert :
On a similar vein, perhaps trumpeting through issuing leaflets extolling the virtues of Scrutiny, will that come under it as well? [Laughter]
Connétable D.F. Gray of St. Clement :
I do not think that requires an answer.
- Deputy D.W. Mezbourian of St. Lawrence :
I wonder if the Chairman would advise the House whether, in fact, this statement has been prompted by complaints or a complaint that has been made about the abuse of the facilities?
Connétable D.F. Gray of St. Clement :
The Committee has not received a formal complaint.
The Bailiff :
Very well. There are no further questions for the Chairman and we move on to Public Business.