Fisheries: Transfer of Functions.

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A decision made (16/10/2006) regarding Fisheries: Proposed Transfer of Functions.

Subject:	Fisheries: Proposed Transfer of Functions
Decision Reference:	MD-C-2006-0045		Exempt clause(s):	n/a
Type of Report: (oral or written)	Written		Person Giving Report (if oral):	-
Telephone or e-mail Meeting?	-		Report File ref:	-
Written report – Title	Fisheries: Proposed Transfer of Functions
Written report – Author (name and job title)	Jeremy Harris, Policy Adviser
Decision(s): To approve the draft States of Jersey (Transfer of Functions No. 2) (Planning and Environment to Economic Development) (Jersey) Regulations 200- and agree that they be lodged ‘au Greffe’ for consideration by the States on 5th December 2006.
Reason(s) for decision: It is considered appropriate that political accountability for the Fisheries functions of the States of Jersey should be transferred from the Minister for Planning and Environment to the Minister for Economic Development. The fisheries function spans both economic and environmental issues, but at a political level it has been found that the majority of ministerial decisions relate to the economic aspects of the Fisheries function.
Action required: JH to arrange with the States Greffe for the draft Regulations and covering report to be lodged ‘au Greffe’ on 17th October, with a view to the matter being debated by the States on 5th December 2006.
Signature: Chief Minister		Date of Decision: 16th October 2006

Fisheries: Transfer of Functions.

FISHERIES: PROPOSED TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS

1. The Ministers of Planning and Environment and Economic Development, having had the benefit of ten months operating experience, are of the opinion that the political accountability for the Fisheries functions of the States of Jersey would be better placed with the Minister for Economic Development.

2. The fisheries function spans both economic and environmental issues, but at a political level it has been found that the majority of ministerial decisions relate to the economic aspects of the Fisheries function. An example is the constant updating of legislation that relates to the harmonisation of the rules governing the fishing industry with the UK and France. It is therefore considered appropriate that the political accountability for fisheries should be transferred to the Minister for Economic Development.

3. It is recommended that the team of fisheries officers should remain as part of the Environment Division within the Planning and Environment Department, as it is considered that there are useful links to be maintained with other environmental professionals.

4. Draft Regulations have been prepared, and a copy is attached to this paper, together with a covering report. These Regulations are entitled the ‘States of Jersey (Transfer of Functions No. 2) (Planning and Environment to Economic Development) ( Jersey ) Regulations 200-‘.

5. This proposal does not have any resource implications, as confirmed below –

Financial: Nil

Manpower: Nil

Property: Nil

ICT: Nil

Law Drafting: Nil (the draft legislation has already been drafted).

6. Recommendation: It is recommended that the Chief Minister should approve the draft Regulations and agree that they be lodged ‘au Greffe’ for consideration by the States on 5th December 2006.

Jeremy Harris,

Policy Adviser

13th October 2006