Guernsey Press

Discussion paper suggests a register of potential conflicts at Chief Pleas

A REGISTER of potential conflicts of interests at Sark's Chief Pleas would help to instil confidence in its members, according to one conseiller.

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A REGISTER of potential conflicts of interests at Sark's Chief Pleas would help to instil confidence in its members, according to one conseiller.

Andrew Bache, pictured, welcomed the possible new measure outlined in a discussion paper that was presented at this week's meeting.

'I think it is one that should occur in every jurisdiction,' he said.

'I think it is important for a significant reason and that is confidence – the confidence of the public in what Chief Pleas is doing and the confidence of the committee in what colleagues are saying and doing.'

The discussion document was presented by Conseiller Janet Guy, who referred to the register of interests already in place in Guernsey.

'The form is quite simple and straightforward, but what is important is it is there for all to see,' she said.

Other conseillers rallied in support of the register.

Conseiller Anthony Ventress added: 'One word: overdue.'

The discussion paper, produced by Conseiller Guy and Conseiller Antony Dunks, also looked at the process of declaring an interest at meetings.

This included whether the president of Chief Pleas should ask if there were calls for a conseiller to remain despite declaring an interest and whether any conseiller should be allowed to question whether a colleague had an interest. It also looked at whether there should be sanctions for false or incomplete declarations if a register was introduced.

Firm proposals are due to come back to Chief Pleas later this year and the pair leading the project encouraged fellow conseillers to get in touch with their views before then.

Backing was also given at the meeting for future sittings to be recorded.

Conseillers voted in favour of audio recordings being made available to the public, together with the minutes of the meeting.

It will also explore the cost of providing a word-for-word Hansard transcript of meetings.

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