Members will next week be asked to approve proposals on how scrutiny will work under the new ministerial system.The proposals have been put together by Privileges and Procedures after months of research.
But they are not without challenge.
Scrutiny is viewed as the counterbalance to the power which will be held by the executive, and Senator Stuart Syvret – who failed in an earlier proposition to impose his ideas of how the panels should work – wants to see the inclusion of the controversial ‘call-in’ mechanism right from the start.
Privileges, however, want to give the panels 12 months to settle in before deciding whether the mechanism, which gives the power to freeze an executive decison temporarily, is necessary.The committee also face opposition from Deputy Jerry Dorey, who is seeking to change the panels’ proposed responsibilities and their degree of involvement in policy.Another contentious matter that will be dealt with on Tuesday is the question of a new £3.7 million lease for the fuel farm at La Collette.
Harbours and Airport want the lease approved, but it looks likely to be blocked because some States Members are still convinced that the Island is being overcharged for oil and petrol.If the matter is referred back and a debate avoided, it will cut down on what is a hefty agenda for the day.
Convinced that one day will not be enough for Members to get through the agenda, it is understood that the Greffe has cleared three days in case the sitting runs on.Before the assembly can begin to tackle public business, they will deal with the usual raft of questions from Members.
A statement on the salaries paid to senior officers will also be delivered by the president of Policy and Resources, Senator Frank Walker – but only after he has been questioned on the matter by Senator Ted Vibert as to whether he is prepared to reveal the names of all those who are earning more than £50,000.QUESTIONSSenator Philip Ozouf will ask a question of Economic Development about rented office accommodation at 24-26 Bath Street.Senator Ted Vibert will question Finance regarding the introduction of a PAYE taxation system.The same Senator will ask questions of Policy and Resources about the publication of the earnings of senior public servants.He will also question the committee about the engagement of the community in the political process.Senator Vibert will question Finance and Economics regarding the appointment of a press officer.He will also question Environment and Public Services regarding rezoned sites under the Island Plan.The Senator will question the Housing Committee about action taken by the committee following the recommendations of the committee of inquiry into the allocation of residential property by housing trusts.He will then question Finance and Economics about States financial borrowing and the strategic reserve.Finally, Senator Vibert will ask a question of Environment and Public Services regarding the Connex bus service.Deputy Bob Hill will question the Housing Committee in respect of Amy’s House, Route de St Catherine, St Martin.Deputy Phil Rondel will ask questions of the Economic Development president and the Attorney General regarding the proposed introduction of a 12-mile fishing licence scheme by the Guernsey authorities.Senator Paul Le Claire will ask a question of the Policy and Resources Committee regarding the building programme in respect of the proposed waterfront hotel.PUBLIC BUSINESSShadow Law Revisions Board: Appointment of members.- Finance and Economics.La Collette Fuel Farm, St Helier: Lease to Shell UK Ltd and Esso Petroleum Company Ltd.- Harbours and Airport.Waterfront Enterprise Board Ltd: Dissolution.- Senator Stuart Syvret.Machinery of government: Establishment of Scrutiny Panels and Public Accounts Committee.- Privileges and Procedures, with amendments from Senator Stuart Syvret and Deputy Jerry Dorey.Draft Investigation of Fraud (Am- endment No 2) (Jersey) Law.- Legislation.Draft Hire Cars (Repeal) (Jersey) Law.- Home Affairs.Former School, Clearview Street: Transfer of Administration.- Education, Sport and Culture.Gorseland, Rue de la Corbière, St Brelade: Proposed sale.- Home Affairs Committee.Draft Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Jersey) Law.- Home Affairs.Waterfront shop units, Albert Pier: Sale.- Housing.
