Telecom debate delay concerns union

Unite had been gearing up to launch a campaign opposing the proposed privatisation ahead of the original date for the States debate of 20 November. However, last week Treasury Minister Terry Le Sueur agreed reluctantly to a request from the Economic Affairs Scrutiny sub-panel examining the proposals to defer the debate as the panel wanted more time to analyse the 96-page proposition. The decision prompted JT chairman John Henwood to criticise the delay and warn States Members that they would be wrong to think that retaining public ownership of JT was a safe option.