27 April 2007
The Minister for Economic Development today expressed regret that a review of his proposals for the long term management of Jersey’s retail sector, carried out by Scrutiny, had looked at the interests of business and ignored those of Jersey consumers.
The Minister, Senator Philip Ozouf, said it was also unfortunate that Scrutiny’s review appeared to have misunderstood, or had misrepresented, the aims of the proposed strategy. For example an advertisement inviting Islanders to submit their views on “A Supermarket by the Airport” gave a seriously misleading and false impression of what was proposed. He said he had noted that Scrutiny’s review was an interim report and expressed the hope that the final version would give a more balanced view based on accurate information.
Senator Ozouf said it would be simple to base policy on the all too familiar arguments of a few retailers in the Island. He was determined to take a balanced approach which took proper account of the views of the Island's consumers.
He added "I continue to believe in the system of Scrutiny and believe this is an important review. To be fair to Scrutiny this is just an interim report but I still feel the report falls significantly short of what Islanders expect. It appears the Panel has only focused on the views of a limited number of retailers in the Island. My job is to focus on what is in the best interests of the whole Island. I would encourage the Panel to give proper consideration to the views of consumers and their obvious desire for more choice and, importantly, lower prices. In my view, striking the right balance is what the role of government and Scrutiny should be all about.”
The Scrutiny Panel recommends that the Minister should suspend any action which would implement the Framework. They are considering supporting a significantly more conservative approach than the one the Retail Framework outlines. Senator Ozouf said: “Such an approach would send out a message that Jersey has an anti-competitive approach and it would prohibit the entry of new retailers to Jersey. As we see in all markets, competition gives consumers choice and keeps prices keen.”
“I agree the need to ensure Island businesses are not unfairly threatened and that any change must be managed with the utmost sensitivity, based on sound information. There is significant interest from a number of Jersey, French and UK retailers who want to bring new business to the Island. It is clear that these retailers believe they can compete in Jersey, offering quality, choice and lower prices. If the Scrutiny Panel wants me to amend my proposals they must explain why the Island should turn its back on such opportunities – particularly when it is clear they would help us to achieve our objectives of economic growth, job opportunities for local people and lower inflation.”
For further information, please contact Mike King on Tel.448146 or Dougie
Peedle on Tel.440446. We regret Senator Philip Ozouf is not available for
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