Hydrographic Programme for Jersey

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

An accurate record of “Ministerial Decisions” is vital to effective governance, including:

demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision
providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

Ministers are individually accountable to the States Assembly, including for the actions of the departments and agencies which discharge their responsibilities.

The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made 16 June 2014:

Decision Reference: MD-ER-2014-0001
Decision Summary Title :	Jersey Hydrographic Programme		Date of Decision Summary:	11 June 2014
Decision Summary Author:	External Relations		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	n/a
Written Report Title :	Hydrographic Data Services for Jersey Territorial Waters		Date of Written Report:	11 June 2014
Written Report Author:	Territorial Sea Coordination and Advisory Group		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: Proposal for a Jersey Hydrographic Programme.
Decision(s): In conjunction with the Minister for Economic Development and the Minister for Planning and Environment, the Minister for External Relations adopted the proposals in the attached Report regarding Hydrographic Data Services for Jersey Territorial Waters. In particular, the Minister approved the establishment of a Territorial Sea Coordination and Advisory Group and directed the Group to draft proposals for an appropriate Hydrographic Programme, discuss with Guernsey counterparts the extent that this might be shared and identify potential annual cost estimates.
Reason(s) for Decision: There is no current programme of seabed survey within Channel Island waters. Noting the clear safety, economic and environmental benefits highlighted in the attached Report and the need to be compliant with the Island’s international obligations, the development of such a programme is required.
Resource Implications: There are no new resource implications.
Action required: Officers to undertake the necessary work to establish a Territorial Sea Coordination and Advisory Group and to report back to the Ministers within six months.
Signature:		Minister for External Relations
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):