The States is planning to hold the debate in September

The States is planning to give a piece of land worth £10m to Les Pas Holdings to settle a dispute over its claim to ownership of the foreshore. It is to debate the issue on 16 September.

However, Senator Ted Vibert claims the meeting, which is to be held in secret, is flawed because the Attorney General and three members of the Policy and Resources Committee have declared an interest in the matter.

Policy and Resources Committee president Senator Frank Walker said he does not believe anyone with any such interests has had a direct influence on any decisions made.

Legal advice

Senator Vibert has written to the Bailiff, Sir Philip Bailhache, calling for the debate on the claim to be withdrawn.

Mr Vibert said he believes the Attorney General, William Bailhache, should not be allowed to give legal advice to members because he has already declared an interest in the company involved.

The senator also argues three members of the Policy and Resources Committee, who have also declared an interest in the matter, should not be permitted to take part in making the final decision.

Les Pas Holdings has been claiming ownership of a large area of the waterfront for several years and has threatened to take the States to court over the issue.

The island's Policy and Resources Committee is proposing handing over the land to Les Pas to avoid further court action.

The Bailiff's office has been contacted by the BBC but has so far not made a comment.