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Economic Affairs - Approved Panel Minutes - 25 January 2017

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Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel

Record of Meeting

25th January 2017

 

Present

Deputy S.M. Brée, Chairman Deputy D. Johnson , Vice-Chairman Connétable M.J. Paddock

Apologies

Connétable J.E. Le Maistre

Absent

 

In attendance

Mr M. Orbell, Scrutiny Officer

 

Ref Back

Agenda matter

Action

 

1. Records of meetings

The Minutes of the meetings held on 11th and 18th January 2017 were approved and signed.

MO

Item 2 11.01.17

515/35

2. Licensing Law

The Panel received hard copies of the latest draft version of the law. As this had only very recently been received from the department by email it was agreed that members should study it in detail before the next Panel meeting (on 8th February) and bring forward their observations and any concerns for detailed discussion at that time.

MO

Item 3 11.01.17

3. Rural Economy Strategy

The Panel noted that notwithstanding recent comments from the Minister to the media, the department had advised that the new strategy would not now be presented to the States on 30th January, but would be ready in time for the Sitting on 14th February. The Panel had received a draft marked up as the final version in confidence; this could now be subject to further minor amendments.

The Panel briefly discussed the draft. It was felt that while it addressed some environmental concerns, it did not present a long term vision for the rural economy. There was also little consideration of the possible consequences of Brexit', other than an apparent assumption that the UK would continue to be the main market for Jersey produce. There seemed to be no intent on the part of government to assist in promoting Jersey products for export.

The Panel agreed that in the first instance it would not seek to employ an expert  adviser  for  the  purposes  of  reviewing  the  strategy,  although members did not rule out the possibility of seeking advice on technical matters  if  it  became  necessary.  The  Scrutiny  Officer  was  asked  to prepare a draft scoping document to bring to the next Panel meeting.

MO

 

 

4. Tourism (Jersey) Law 1948 - Proposals for Reform

The Panel noted a public consultation paper released by Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture on 24th January. Members agreed to look at this and to consider whether the Panel should ask for a detailed briefing, and if so, at what point this might be most helpful. Members agreed to discuss this matter further at the next Panel meeting on 8th February. The closing date for the consultation was 31st March 2017.

MO