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Penguin News Update

Headlines: Councillors opt to keep GPC; ?Order, order': new Speaker appointed; British delegation in Argentina; Investigation team leaves; Cruising in this week.

Preserving naval names

Photo: Brightening up the ship's names on the Camber, LOM Mark Williams and LOM Richard Voller of HMS Southampton clearly enjoy their work. Full story on page 2. Picture: A Barton.

Councillors opt to keep GPC

DESPITE a wish expressed by a number of election candidates to phase out General Purposes Committee (GPC), councillors have opted to retain the informal meeting. In a press statement released yesterday, Councillor Mike Summers said he and his colleagues were conscious of a number of concerns expressed about GPC and its role in government and were keen to, "...amend its role to fit more appropriately with the established system of Government, and also to take steps to deal with the perception of it by sectors of the community." Councillors decided, whilst GPC would continue to review Executive Council (ExCo) papers prior to their consideration by ExCo, the purpose of this would be for ExCo members to take account of comments or observations of other members. "No decisions would be taken and no instructions given to ExCo members, who would remain entirely free to make whatever decisions they considered appropriate in ExCo." Councillors also committed to advising the media of other business in GPC "whenever practicable" with explanations of decisions taken. Mr Summers said the history of GPC and, "its role in the development of democratic government" was acknowledged. He reported, "In light of this it was considered on balance not to be appropriate to change its name, but to ensure that its functions were transparent and clearly understood. "It remains an informal meeting of councillors at which a wide range of issues can be discussed." Councillor Richard Davies, who admits to being "particularly vociferous" about open government said he was "very pleased" with the quality of discussion at GPC this week and said there were "big steps in the right direction." He said councillors discussed the possibility of having part of GPC open to the public in the future: "people want to find their way forward first, but it's not something we've completely ruled out." Portfolio responsibilities A new approach has been adopted by councillors to portfolio responsibilities, one that Mr Summers said, "...will hopefully reflect future restructuring and rationalisation of the Committee system, and fit with possible amendments to the Constitution in due course." He said these changes do not however make any such amendments inevitable. Portfolios have been grouped into eight areas of responsibility as shown on a table on page three, with the constituent parts of each. Also shown are the portfolio holders and the other members with responsibility for these areas. Councillor Summers reported, "It will be for portfolio holders to now consult with the Chief Executive and Heads of Department on how best to organise their responsibilities and committee functions. "It is envisaged that a number of committees will be rationalised." He said portfolio holders will be encouraged to take "full responsibility" for their areas of activity and keep the public informed of developments. Council spokesperson Options were also considered for who should chair GPC and whether there should be a spokesperson for Legislative Councillors. It was concluded: a) a member of Executive Council should be nominated by all members to be the spokesperson for Legislative Councillors for a six month period; b) that person should also chair GPC for that period and co-ordinate routine business; and c) that this arrangement will be reviewed in five months time to see how it should be continued. Councillor Summers was nominated to cover this first period. He said, "This would in no way preclude or relieve portfolio holders of their responsibilities to deal with the media and the public on issues for which they are responsible." It was further agreed that public meetings would be chaired by either "independent parties or by other councillors" and presentations and themes would be encouraged for these meetings.

?Order, order': new Speaker appointed

DARWIN Lewis Clifton has been elected Speaker of the House and attended his first meeting of Legislative Council in his new role. Although he was not the only candidate considered by councillors they were unanimous in their choice to ask Mr Clifton to fill the role. The Speaker can be nominated by any member of Legislative Council. When asked why the process of electing a Speaker does not involve public consultation, Councillor Mike Summers said, "It is not like the election of Justices of the Peace, where there is a strong and legitimate public interest; this is purely a matter for the elected members on how the business in their House is conducted." As for the openness of the procedure, Councillor Summers commented, "The Speaker was nominated and elected in Legislative Council which is an open meeting. In theory we might have had a series of candidates standing by, but councillors knew who they were going to elect so that would have been pointless and somewhat demeaning to those not selected. "This is not a public appointment (and has never been in any parliamentary jurisdiction that I know of). The Members of the House choose who they are confident in to do the job properly." Councillor Mike Summers said Mr Clifton was selected as he met the necessary criteria: ? Knowledge of the procedure and workings of Legislative Council. "Mr Clifton is a former member of Legislative Council and is thoroughly familiar with Standing Rules and Orders and Council procedure." ? Enjoy the full support of all Members. "Mr Clifton was supported by all members. The appointment of Speaker is entirely a matter for elected members, since his principal responsibility is to Chair Legislative Council in an even handed and orderly fashion." ? The Speaker should not normally have future political ambition. "Whilst this is not absolutely clear, councillors are satisfied that Mr Clifton will not engage in political activity inconsistent with his role as Speaker."

British delegation in Argentina

TWO Lords and four British Members of Parliament made an official visit to Argentina this week. According to Ambito Financerio,"...the Malvinas question will be on the agenda." Among the British delegation is Labour MP Lyndsay Hoyle who has spoken out in support of the Falklands in the past.

Investigation team leaves

A TEAM of seven officers from the Metropolitan Police Service brought to the Islands to investigate allegations against members of the Royal Falkland Islands Police departed the Islands yesterday. A Government House spokesperson confirmed His Excellency the Governor has received a report on the investigation but was unable to provide any further information.

Cruising in this week

THE Falklands cruise season is now well under way. Today, Polar Star (carrying approximately 98 passengers) will visit New Island and West Point Island, while Akademik Ioffe(117) will call at West Point Island and Saunders Island. On Saturday, both ships will visit Stanley. On Monday, Rotterdam (1,316) and Explorer II (430) are due in Stanley and on Tuesday it is the turn of Norwegian Crown(1,052) and QE2 (1,700).

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