More than 200 flights costing at least £1,000 for civil servants and ministers

Wednesday 23 March 2016

The States have revealed that the last five years have seen more than 200 flights that have cost at least £1,000.

The Chief Minister’s department has promised to reveal a breakdown of flights by civil servants by the next States sitting, which takes place on 12 April.

Asked by Deputy Sam Mezec for information on flights costing over £1,000, the Chief Minister’s department said it needed more time to go through their records.

The question follows the controversy over flights costing almost £13,000 taken by Economic Development Department Chief Officer Mike King and Locate Jersey Director Wayne Gallichan to a conference in Cape Town.

The pair have apologised unreservedly to the public for what they have called “an error of judgment”, and there is now a disciplinary investigation taking place and an investigation into the cost of flights and rules for booking travel by politicians and civil servants.

The full response from the Chief Minister’s department said: “An initial search of travel system has indicated more than 200 flights.

“However, the figures show combined costs for officers and ministers travelling together, as well as refunds. So further work is required to separate senior civil servants from other travellers and to verify the information.

“We will undertake to publish the information for the next States sitting.”