MOVES could be made to put a States member on to the boards of Guernsey Electricity and Guernsey Post. The States owns 100% of shares in both companies.

Arch commercialisation critic Dave Jones used yesterday’s debate to launch an attack on a process he said had been a ‘disaster’.

‘I think there’s little option now but to look forward. However I detected a feeling among many States members that they believe there ought to be more political control, certainly in post and electricity,’ said Deputy Jones after the debate.

‘I also received several notes from members saying that any attempt to commercialise water would be met with fierce resistance.’

One deputy, he said, wrote at the bottom of a note ‘over my dead body’.

‘I and others may sign a requete in the future to put at least one political member back on those boards. I think by doing that it will bring back the contact between the people of Guernsey and the utility companies that provide a service to them.’

Deputy Jones said that Cable & Wireless was a different matter, although there was huge regret among deputies and islanders that Guernsey Telecom was ever sold.

‘I make no apologies for being outspoken on behalf of members of the public. Some people have not reaped the benefits of the commercialisation of utilities that they were promised at the time.’

The States accepted Treasury and Resources and Commerce and Employment proposals to alter slightly the regulatory regime. Members expressed concerns about the unexpectedly high costs and demands it placed on the utilities.

Among the changes are switching appeal hearings against the regulator’s decisions from a tribunal system to the Royal Court.

The director-general will also now have to regulate in a way that is proportionate to Guernsey circumstances.

n Treasury and Resources placed two ‘shadow directors’ on the board of Guernsey Post after its financial problems a couple of years ago.

T and R members Jonathan Le Tocq and Mark Dorey sat in on meetings for 18 months, though they played no part in discussions, but they have now been withdrawn.