Water saga continues in States

St Clement Deputy Gerard Baudains is not satisfied with the results of a £70,000 survey which appeared to disprove theories of underground streams providing water from France. He will ask the States to approve further tests but looks set to have a mountain to climb if he is to persuade his colleagues to back him. The Environment Minister Freddie Cohen has made it clear that he thinks the issue has been settled and Health Minister Stuart Syvret has previously said it is time for the States to ‘stop chasing fairies at the bottom of the garden’. The debate is likely to be one of the lengthiest on a relatively short agenda of public business at Tuesday’s States sittting. As usual, question time is likely to throw up the more contentious issues. The Ministers for Home Affairs and Economic Development are due to take questions without notice, while the following have also been tabled: lDeputy Kevin Lewis will ask the Home Affairs Minister about the impact on the Jersey Field Squadron of the withdrawal of British troops from Iraq. lDeputy Shona Pitman will ask the Housing Minister about the demolition of Convent Court and the effect of this on tenants. lSenator Ben Shenton will ask the Chief Minister about the membership and quorum rules for the States Employment Board. lDeputy Geoff Southern will ask the Economic Development Minister about the powers of the JCRA and the sell-off of Jersey Telecom. lDeputy Southern will ask the Treasury Minister about fiunding for the public sector pay award and the likely impact of the RPI upon it. lSenator Shenton will ask the Home Affairs Minister about the policy regarding vulnerable prisoners at La Moye. lDeputy Kevin Lewis will ask the Education Minister about the amphibious vehicle link to Elizabeth Castle.