THE number of tractors in Sark has risen to 89, despite Chief Pleas resolving some time ago to cap the figure at 77 with a view to reducing the total.

However, according to Road Traffic chairman Chris Bateson, the current legislation – now under review – does not allow his committee to refuse applications on the grounds of numbers.

In response to a question from Edric Baker, Conseiller Bateson told last week’s Chief Pleas sitting that despite the assembly’s decision to cap the number, and indeed reduce the figure, that was not permitted under current legislation.

While the issue of tractors – both their numbers and, on occasions, the manner in which they are driven – is a big bone of contention among both residents and visitors, the fact of the matter is that Conseiller Bateson’s committee seems to be in a lose/lose situation.

Quite frankly, it would be ludicrous – and probably unlawful also – to seek to reduce the current number of 89 to the intended cap (when Chief Pleas agreed it) of 77. The construction industry is often said to be a useful barometer of economic activity and if this is the case, then Sark emerged from the recession before anywhere else.

To reduce the number of tractors by a dozen – and more if the objective of reducing numbers is pursued – would have serious repercussions for both employment and tourism, as most of the larger construction projects involve hotels or tourism-related activities.

The issue relating to the vehicles being used for little more than personal transport is perhaps not as pronounced as it was a couple or more years ago and that’s probably thanks to a succession of constables.

The three major propositions due to be debated by our legislature – the licensing of all commercial vessels using Sark ports, the tidal power memorandum of understanding and the much-needed passenger shelter at Maseline Harbour – were all withdrawn, but not before there had been a debate of sorts on each.

I was puzzled during the discussion on the licensing of vessels with the response from Harbours chairman Jan Guy to a question about Customs in relation to the Manche Iles service from Jersey. She said that the Customs examination for this particular service was carried out by the Jersey Customs (and Immigration) Service – a response which, quite frankly, is not correct and could lead to some members being misled when they come to debate the measure again in April.

The fact of the matter is that passengers travelling from Jersey to Sark do not go through Customs at all, although those on the vessel who happen to have come from France that day will have been through the procedure on arrival in Jersey, but that is irrelevant. Passengers originating in Jersey – me returning home to Sark after counting the grandchildren, for example – don’t go through Customs at all, anywhere, and it is misleading and incorrect to suggest otherwise.

One matter that did get a decision was that of who can vote in Sark elections. Just over a year ago, my wife and I emerged from the polling station and immediately remarked that we had never, ever seen the five people going in to vote.

Thankfully, this has now been recognised by Chief Pleas and addressed by way of a two-year residency qualification. But, as Conseiller Liz Dewe asked, without a registration system, how can length of residency be confirmed?

Finally, Sark residents can relax now, safe in the knowledge that what used to be the Avian Flu Committee is now called the Sark Influenza (Human) Pandemic Committee and it has no fewer than nine members. Does this mean that the Medical Committee now goes on short-time working? You really couldn’t make it up.

• The email address for comment is fallesark@sark.net