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Social Affairs Scrutiny Panel
Meeting 22
Date: Tuesday 19th September 2006 Location: Blampied Room, States Building
Present Deputy F.J. Hill, B.E.M., Chairman
Deputy D.W. Mezbourian
Deputy A.E. Pryke
Apologies Deputy J.A. Martin, Vice Chairman
Deputy S. Pitman
Absent
In attendance Connétable D.F. Gray, Chairman, Privileges and Procedures Committee
Mr. C. Ahier , Scrutiny Officer Mr. W. Millow , Scrutiny Officer
Ref Back | Agenda matter Action | |
| 1. Split of the Social Affairs Panel The Panel met Connétable D.F. Gray, Chairman of the Privileges and Procedures Committee. It was recalled that the States had approved Social Affairs Scrutiny Panel - division to create a fifth scrutiny panel (P.64/2006). The Panel was advised that the Privileges and Procedures Committee would consequently soon lodge an amendment to Standing Orders of the States of Jersey. The Panel advised the Chairman of the Privileges and Procedures Committee of the manner in which it had chosen its work programme for 2006. It was noted that documentation was used to help Scrutiny panels choose topics and scope reviews: it was agreed to send a copy of this documentation to the Chairman of the Privileges and Procedures Committee. It was noted that the need to prepare an annual work programme had somewhat precluded flexibility in the Panel's response to new topics that had arisen during the year. The Panel advised the Chairman of the Privileges and Procedures Committee of the work it had undertaken in relation to the following topics: Draft Sexual Offences (Jersey) Law 200-(P.63/2006) Report on an announced inspection of La Moye Prison, Jersey (27 June – 1 July 2005) Strategic Plan 2006 – 2011 (P.40/2006) Annual Business Plan 2007 (P.92/2006) It was noted that the Panel's work in relation to the Strategic Plan had provided an example of good working practice. The relationship between the Panel and the five Ministers within its remit was considered. The Panel advised the Chairman of the Privileges and Procedures Committee of the manner in which it received information from the relevant Departments. The Chairman was advised of the procedures used by Scrutiny Officers to request information from Departments on behalf of Scrutiny Panels. The Panel considered the potential difficulties in distinguishing when a States Members was acting as an individual and when | CA/WM |
he/she was acting as a Member of a Scrutiny Panel.
The Panel considered with the Chairman of the Privileges and Procedures Committee how Scrutiny Panel - division to create a fifth scrutiny panel (P.64/2006) had come to be lodged. It was noted that the main driver behind the idea to split the Social Affairs Scrutiny Panel had been the Chairmen's Committee and not the Panel itself.
The Panel considered the potential implications of the split of the Social Affairs Scrutiny Panel and further considered how the new Panel would operate. The Chairman of the Privileges and Procedures Committee advised the Panel that it was hoped the fifth Panel would begin work on 1st January 2007 (although it was noted that appointments to the Panel could potentially be made prior to that date). It was noted that sufficient staffing would need to be in place prior to the commencement of the new Panel's work. The Panel was advised that the recruitment process for two new Scrutiny Officers had begun.
2. Minutes of Previous Meetings
- Meeting of 22nd August 2006
The Panel approved the minutes of its meeting of 22nd August 2006.
- Meeting of 4th September 2006
The Panel approved the minutes of its meeting of 4th September 2006.
[04/09/06, 3. HMP La Moye
Item 10] The Panel recalled that the Chairman had passed the draft report
relating to HMP La Moye to the Scrutiny Office. The Panel was
advised of its previous agreement that the report would be forwarded to the Minister for Home Affairs. It was agreed that
work would be undertaken on the draft report by the Officers and CA/WM that it would be considered at the next Panel Meeting.
[04/09/06, 4. Centeniers in the Magistrate's Court
Item 3a] The Panel noted it had obtained a copy of the report produced by
the Royal Commission on Criminal Procedure established in 1978 (i.e. the Philips Report) at a cost of £25.00. It was further noted that the Crown Prosecution Service of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight had forwarded a copy of an abridged version to the Panel.
The Panel prepared questions for its Public Hearings to be held on 21st September 2006.
[04/09/06, 5. Criminal Justice Policy
Item 12] The Panel noted receipt of correspondence (dated 14th
September 2006) from Senator W. Kinnard, Minister for Home Affairs, in response to its comments relating to Criminal Justice Policy – Draft Policy Paper. It was agreed that a response would
be sent to the Minister in which its support (in principle) for the CA/WM policy paper would be reiterated.
6. GP Out-of-Hours
The Panel considered arrangements for the Public Hearings on 29th September 2006. It was noted that the following parties had confirmed their attendance at a Hearing:
Mr. W. Brown, Executive Director, Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority
Dr. I. Cameron of Cleveland Clinic
The Panel was advised that Senator S. Syvret, Minister for Health and Social Services, and Dr. B. Perchard would be unable to attend a Hearing on that date.
Signed Date ..
Chairman, Social Affairs Panel