Questions for Jersey legal chief

William Bailhache said he would reveal details behind his advice on cases

Jersey Attorney General William Bailhache is facing questions over an alleged conflict of interest.

The questions on Monday by Montfort Tadier follows Mr Bailhache's advice to police to drop 11 cases in the Jersey historic abuse inquiry.

Mr Bailhache is also legal adviser to the Council of Ministers.

Mr Bailhache said he intended to reveal the details behind the advice to drop the cases when there could be "no impact on potential prosecutions".

'Fundamental questions'

Mr Tadier will ask in the States: "Will H.M Attorney General explain to members what steps he takes and has taken to ensure against any apparent conflict of him being both the legal adviser to the Council of Ministers on child abuse matters, whilst at the same time being the person responsible for deciding whether or not to prosecute in such cases?"

He said: "This is not about Mr Bailhache as a person and one is certainly not questioning his integrity.

"There are, however, fundamental questions which need to be asked.

"For example, due to the dual nature of the position, the attorney general is, on the one hand, the person who decides whether or not to pursue cases in the historic child abuse inquiry and on the other hand the lawyer who advises the Council of Ministers on child abuse and presumably how they can minimise their liability with regards to future claims.

"I am not alone in being concerned about this overlap."

Claims of abuse in Jersey child care homes from the early 1960s to 1986 are being investigated by police.

Mr Bailhache is the brother of Sir Philip Bailhache who is standing down as bailiff on Thursday.

William Bailhache will become deputy bailiff in November, leaving his role as attorney general open to a new incumbent.