Economic Affairs - Approved Panel Minutes - 2 October 2013

Present

Deputy S.G. Luce , Chairman Connétable S.W. Pallett, Vice-Chairman

Apologies

Connétable M.J. Paddock

In attendance

Mr. T. Oldham , Scrutiny Officer

Ref Back

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Records of Meetings

The records of the Panel's meetings held on 9th, 16th, 18th, 20th and 23rd  September  2013  were  approved  by  the  Panel  and  signed accordingly by the Chairman.

20/09/13 Item 1

515/28

2. Digital Skills

The  Sub-Panel  Chairman  confirmed  that  the  Chairman  of  the Education and Skills Technical Action Group of Digital Jersey would be  meeting  the  Sub-Panel  on  4th  October.  In  addition,  significant steps towards the public launch of the Review would be made by initial  discussion  of  a  draft  Scoping  Document  and  Terms  of Reference  by  the  Sub-Panel  at  its  forthcoming  meeting,  and  the publication of the Digital Jersey Business Plan and the Minister for Education, Sport and Culture's Vision for IT in Education on 10th and 11th October respectively.

23/09/13 Item 1

515/24

3. Financial Services Ombudsman

The  Panel  considered  its  approach  to  the  ongoing  delay  in  the publication of primary legislation associated with the establishment of a Financial Services Ombudsman. It agreed that the Chairman would table an Oral Question in the States regarding the ongoing delay.

TO/SL

08/05/13 Item 6

515/1(29)

4. Retail Framework

Recent announcements of initiatives being pursued, or considered, by the Minister for Economic Development with regard to issues faced by the retail sector were discussed by the Panel. It agreed to scope a Review related to these developments and ongoing concern about the apparent outdated nature of the existing Retail Framework.

TO

18/10/13 Item 4

515/1(24)

5. Ports of Jersey Incorporation

The Panel noted that the Chairman had requested a meeting of the Panel with the Minister for Economic Development to further clarify the framework that had been established for the Panel to receive the information that it required to undertake its Review, along with the expected timeframe for Ports of Jersey's work on its various work- streams and the Panel's intended Review timetable.

TO

18/09/13 Item 5

6. Jersey Innovation Fund

The  Panel  agreed  to  request  an  update  from  the  Economic

515/26

Development Department about the timetable for the announcement of the appointment of the non-executive Board members. It further agreed that it would seek a meeting with the Chairman of the Board at an appropriate time after that announcement.

TO

18/09/13 Item 6

515/3(19)

7. Enterprise Strategy

The Panel discussed its approach to work on the draft Enterprise Strategy, with particular consideration given to the results of recent consultation by the Economic Development Department with targeted stakeholders, which, amongst other issues, had highlighted concern over the target of creating 1000 jobs over a three year period, the focus  on  high  value  sectors  and  high  growth  firms,  ongoing measurement and monitoring of targets established by the Strategy, and the impact of population and migration policy on those targets.

The Panel agreed that there would be merit in questioning the Minister for  Economic  Development  about  the  draft  Strategy  at  a  Public Hearing to with the intention of presenting Comments to the States. It was agreed to scope the work accordingly.

TO

16/09/13 Item 1

515/23

8. Aircraft Registry Public Hearing

The Panel noted the transcript of the recent Public Hearing with the Minister  for  Economic  Development  regarding  his  decision  not  to pursue a joint Aircraft Registry with Guernsey. The Panel requested an update on subsequent progress being made to establish a Jersey Aircraft Registry.

TO

26/07/13 Item 1

515/27

9. Tourism Shadow Board

The Panel noted the recent high profile and activity of the Chairman of the Tourism Shadow Board, and agreed that it would seek a meeting with  him  at  an  appropriate  time  later  in  the  year  to  discuss  the progress being made by his Board on its aims and objectives.

23/05/13 Item 13

515/1(24)

10. Condor Ferries

The Panel considered the ongoing negotiations regarding the future of Channel Islands' sea routes, specifically the permit arrangement for Condor Ferries and linked negotiations with the Governments of both Bailiwicks regarding the updating of its fleet. The Panel agreed to request an update on progress in anticipation of undertaking work on the matter at an appropriate time.

TO

18/10/13 Item 7

515/1(24)

11. Work Programme

The Panel agreed to request an update to the Economic Development Department's  work-stream  paper  in  order  to  inform  its  own  work programme planning.

TO

12. Future meetings

The Panel noted that its next meeting was scheduled to take place at 9.30am in Le Capelain Room, States Building on 16th October 2013.