The States heard a hospital rebuild will go over its �3m budget

The States meeting was the first since the States' 43 committees were turned into 10 departments to run the island at the beginning of May.

Overspending on States projects dominated the meeting and there was no debate on any of the items that were actually on the agenda.

Questions were asked about construction of Guernsey's new airport terminal and the Mignot Memorial Hospital.

Over budget

Two members of the island's Policy Council faced questions from the floor.

Following a question from Deputy John Gollop, Public Services head Deputy Bill Bell advised the House that it was inappropriate to comment on any overspend on the airport contract until final claims had been made by contractors.

A second question came from Alderney representative Richard Cox on the progress of Mignot hospital.

Health and Social Security Minister Deputy Peter Roffey admitted the completion of the rebuild has been put back, but that he hope to see work start in 2005.

He added that spending on the rebuild was almost certain to exceed the �3m budget allocated.

Additional funding will be sought early next year.