Expenditure at the Airport and replacement hold baggage system

Published on: 23 October 2007

Question type: Written

Asked by: Gerard Baudains

Answered by: Minister for Economic Development

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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BY DEPUTY G.C.L. BAUDAINS OF ST. CLEMENT

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 23rd OCTOBER 2007

Question

With reference to the recent Annual Business Plan 2008, and specifically Summary Table E' –

(a) would the Minister explain what the Telebag' system at the Airport entails and justify the £1,640,000 cost?

( b) would the Minister advise why a new Pilots Vessel at a cost of

£600,000 is necessary, given the age of one of the two current pilot vessels, and would he further advise whether it is proposed to sell either or both of the existing craft? If so, will the Minister undertake to advertise the sale to a wider audience than was the case with the sale of the Duchess of Normandy' and state whether the funds that will be obtained have been taken into account in the proposed cost of £600,000 for the new vessel, or be in addition?

Answer

The sum towhich the Deputy refers is part of the overall cost of replacing the existing hold baggage system at the airport, whichwas installed in 1997. Theestimateof £1.64M is to replace the baggage conveyor system with its associated electrical, mechanicalandsoftware systems toensurecontinuedcompliance with UKDepartmentforTransport security protocols.

The airport is working with its partner airlines and ground handling agents to design an uncomplicated, cost efficient system that will meet exacting performance standards and threat analysis and resolution.

The system will be replaced during the winter season of 2008.

Pilotage Lawrequires for the provision and maintenance oftwo pilot cutters.Thenewer vessel referred to in the question was purchased in 1997. It does not have all weather capability and its engines are not commercially rated. It is proposed tosell this craft on procurement of a more suitable vessel. Thevessel would be advertised for sale through professional pilot boat brokers and through the United Kingdom Harbourmasters Association. Funds obtained from the sale would be offset against the cost ofany new vessel. Itis essential to obtain a new vesselbeforedisposingof the old one.