What steps, if any, are in place to ensure that new policy initiatives from the Minister are first notified to the States, prior to media publicity
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1240/5(4202)
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR TREASURY AND RESOURCES BY DEPUTY R.G. LE HÉRISSIER OF ST. SAVIOUR
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 3rd FEBRUARY 2009
Question
What steps, if any, are in place to ensure that new policy initiatives from the Minister are first notified to the States, prior to media publicity?
Answer
Whilst there is nothing in Standing Orders which deals specifically which such matters, as a matter of traditional parliamentary practise, all Ministers, make best endeavours to ensure members are informed first of new policy decisions. This is normally done by way of a Ministerial Statement, publication of a Report under the "R" system or in an electronic communication via the States Member email system.
The media are sometimes pre-briefed for reasons of practicalities (for example the States are sitting, or there is a briefing is organised to co-inside with the publication of a report or reading of a Statement to the Assembly), In such circumstances, embargos are normally used (although they are not binding on the media).
There was one occasion recently, when a Treasury Ministerial Statement was delivered after a media report. This was due to the unexpected and usual late commencement of States Statements until after the lunch time adjournment.
As a matter of practise, the Minister will continue to endeavour to ensure that the States are the first to hear of new policy initiatives.