States members could not get some answers they wanted on this and other topics because their attempts to question political colleagues fell outside the rules that govern debate.
The issue happened as deputies attempted follow-up questions once an answer had been given by a president during the Question Time section of this week’s States meeting. These supplementaries are only allowed if they arise from the preceding answer.
Pictured: Deputies Heidi Soulsby and Gavin St Pier.
At one point the Bailiff Richard McMahon took time out to explain the relevant rule in more detail to members, pointing out that it was always going to be ‘very difficult’ to get a supplementary out of a one word answer like ‘no’ – which is what Policy & Resources President, Deputy Peter Ferbrache said when asked by Deputy Heidi Soulsby if Agilisys was responsible for the warning system in the equipment room at Frossard House.
Both Deputies Soulsby and St Pier attempted to phrase questions differently to find out who was responsible, but the Bailiff said their questions still did not arise from the previous answer.
Disappointed but not surprised by short answers to a couple of Rule 11 Qs on who is responsible for AC and warning systems at SCFH server room. I will be asking follow up written questions on the outages which, 2.5 weeks in, are still to be resolved.
— Deputy Heidi Soulsby MBE (@HeidiSoulsby) December 14, 2022
The Bailiff did the same when Deputy Andrew Taylor tried to find out if consideration would be given to renegotiating the contract to ensure Agilisys do have that responsibility and as Deputy Aidan Matthews pushed on the importance of disaster recovery.
Earlier in Question Time Mr MacMahon had ruled out a question from Deputy David De Lisle about the bus service.
He warned members that supplementary questions were not an opportunity to have a general debate on an issue that seems to be touched on by an answer, but to seek clarification on an answer given.
The issue continued as Question Time drew to a close with Education, Sport & Culture President Deputy Andrea Dudley Owen being quizzed about savings coming from the new post-16 model of education.
Deputy John Gollop wanted to know if she agreed with him that their focus was predominantly on achieving greater outcomes and performances from students.
Deputy Soulsby has confirmed she will submit written questions to delve into the IT failures further.