States 'cannot interfere' in row

The dispute could threaten work at the airport terminal

Guernsey's States is unable to legally interfere in a financial dispute which has erupted between contractors on the island's new multi-million pound airport terminal.

The dispute is threatening to disrupt work at the site, with some workers claiming they are owed thousands of pounds.

But President of the Board of Administration, Deputy Roger Berry, says the States is unable to get involved.

He says the only option is to pressure Hochtief to deal with the problem.

Absolute assurance

"Unfortunately the States can't get involved because what that would do is make the States liable for any delays that occurred and any amount of money that was outstanding," said Deputy Berry.

"Under the contract the States can't actually put its finger in the financial pie, what it can do is to make sure things are being sorted out the proper way."

Deputy Berry said that the States had received absolute assurance from Hochtief that the development will be finished within the original timeframe.