THE ’sticking power’ of States decisions was publicly questioned by a senior politician yesterday.
At the first ever public scrutiny hearing, Policy and Resources president Senator Frank Walker suggested that a system may need to be put in place to prevent States decisions from being overturned in future without the agreement of the House.
Seven States Members were involved in the discussion, which was held as part of an investigation into the Island’s failure to implement an agri-environment scheme approved by the States in 2002.
The scheme was drawn up as a means of initiating the renewal of the Island’s countryside, but it has not yet been implemented because its funding was withdrawn following the fundamental spending review by committee presidents.
While interviewing their first witness, Senator Walker, the shadow scrutiny panel led by Senator Ted Vibert and chaired by Deputy Rob Duhamel acknowledged that a proposal may need to be put forward to ensure that future States policy decsions will be acted upon unless rescinded by the House.
Although it was pointed out that no breach of procedure had been made when funding for the countryside renewal scheme was withdrawn, the finality of central decisions was questioned.
Senator Walker said: ‘If the States take a decision, it should either go through or be the subject of a rescindment order.
The States are well known for taking funding decisions without looking at the bigger picture.
We have improved, but no decision should be taken completely in isolation.’
Article posted on 9th July, 2004 - 12.00am
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