Statement by Minister for Economic Development re West Show with questions

STATEMENTS ON A MATTER OF OFFICIAL RESPONSIBILITY The Greffier of the States (in the Chair):

Just before the Assembly resumes Public Business, the Bailiff was given notice yesterday within the due time that the Minister for Economic Development wished to make an official statement. This may be a convenient time to do that, Minister.

1.  Statement  by the Minister for Economic Development regarding the West Show

1.1  Senator A.J.H. Maclean (The Minister for Economic Development):

I would like to invite Members to join me in congratulating all those involved in the organising of last week's very successful West Show. The show committee, under the chairmanship of Constable Vibert , should be justifiably proud of the success of the event. A very special thank you must go to all the volunteers who gave their valuable time and without whom such events quite simply would not be possible. The West Show has grown into one of Jersey's premier rural events showcasing local agriculture, environmental issues and the countryside, as well as being an entertaining day out for the whole family. The 15,000 plus visitors to last week's show enjoyed great weather with a varied array of stands and entertainment, including a whole section on genuine Jersey produce, which can only enhance awareness of local businesses. The West Show has become a regular feature of the events calendar and I look forward to it going from strength to strength in the future, with the continued support of the community and a number of very generous sponsors. [Approbation]

Connétable K.P. Vibert of St. Ouen :

I would just like to thank the Minister for his compliments. Thank you, Sir.

1. Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier of St. Saviour :

So will the Minister be promoting an East Show? [Laughter]

Senator A.J.H. Maclean:

Of course a very good question that comes from the Deputy , and I am sure opportunities for shows of this nature in other areas will always be considered if indeed the local community can get behind them, which I am sure is quite possible as demonstrated by the great, fine West Show we have just seen.

2. Deputy P.J. Rondel of St. John :

Did the Connétable get all the necessary permits that were required? [Laughter]

Senator A.J.H. Maclean:

I would have thought so. Having seen the smile on the Connétable 's face, he was clearly very happy and understandably so. It was a fine show, well attended, good weather, and I have to say I enjoyed it myself when I attended.

3. Deputy P.V.F. Le Claire of St. Helier :

Not to take away from the appropriate praise of such a wonderful event, I would just like to ask the Minister why it is today that he is congratulating him and he did not do it at the beginning of business, and will he be congratulating the Fish Festival tomorrow?

Senator A.J.H. Maclean:

I think if appropriate and if Members are prepared I am more than happy to congratulate many of the fine events we have around the Island. I think we are extremely lucky to have as many good events as we do and have such a tremendous involvement with the community in many of these events which frankly would not be possible without the volunteers that put so much work into them. His earlier question about this particular statement, I had intended to make it on Tuesday, we were just trying to clarify one or 2 points before so doing to make sure that we were accurate before the statement was made.

4. Connétable J.M. Refault of St. Peter :

I would just like to add to the Minister's thanks and to expand to the staff of T.T.S. (Transport and Technical Services) who assisted quite significantly in developing the road traffic plan through St. Peter , avoiding many, many delays, and also the Honorary Police of the 4 western Parishes that spent 2 whole days out there controlling that traffic plan. [Approbation]