Weights and Measures (Jersey) Law 1967 Amendment Law Drafting Instructions

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 6th March 2019

Decision Reference: MD-E-2019-0022
Decision Summary Title :	Weights Measures Amendment Feb2019		Date of Decision Summary:	28/02/2019
Decision Summary Author:	Interim Private Secretary, EDTSC		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	n/a
Written Report Title :	Report to Minister – W&M Order		Date of Written Report:	28/02/2019
Written Report Author:	Director of Trading Standards		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Exempt QE Art 35
Subject: Weights and Measures (Jersey) Law 1967: proposed deregulation of pre-packed foodstuffs
Decision(s): The Minister agreed that Schedule 3 of the Weights and Measures (Jersey) Law 1967 and associated Weights and Measures (Prescribed Quantities) Orders should be amended so as to better align Jersey legislation with that of the UK in respect of pre-packed foodstuffs.
Reason(s) for Decision: The Minister, having noted that the existing Law required certain foodstuffs, when pre-packed, to be sold in prescribed quantities, was satisfied that the increasing availability of pre-packed food and demand for wider consumer choice provided sufficient justification for pursuing an amendment to the Law.
Resource Implications: None.
Action required: Interim Private Secretary, EDTSC to notify the Director of Trading Standards of the Minister’s decision. Director of Trading Standards to submit appropriate drafting instructions to the Principal Legislative Drafter.
Signature:		Position: Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed)