ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
WEDNESDAY 13 JUNE 2001 AT 10.25AM
IN ROOM 144
PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Mr S Neeson (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr A Attwood
Mr W Clyde
Mrs A Courtney
Dr A McDonnell
Ms J Morrice
Apologies: Mr P Doherty
Mr D McClarty
Dr D O'Hagan
Mr J Wells
In attendance: Mrs C White (Committee Clerk)
Mr M Anderson (Assistant Committee Clerk)
Miss J Presho (Executive Support)
Mr D Donaldson (Administrative Support)
Dr P Gilleece (Assembly Researcher)
The meeting opened, in private, at 10.25am
Mr Neeson assumed the Chair in the absence of the Chairperson
1. Chairperson's Business
1.1. Adria Ltd. - The Deputy Chairperson reported that most of the 140 staff to be made redundant had found alternative employment. A fuller report would be made at the next meeting.
2. Matters Arising
2.1. Economic Policy Unit, OFMDFM, review of the Northern Ireland Economic Council (NIEC) and Northern Ireland Economic Research Centre (NIERC).
Agreed - that the Chairperson of the Review Steering Group be invited to the Committee meeting on 27 June 2001.
3. Minutes of the last meeting
Agreed - this item to be deferred to the next meeting.
4. Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland: Proposals for Statutory Rules
4.1. Quarries Regulations (NI) 2001, Quarries Explosives Regulations (NI) 2001 and Approved Code of Practice.
4.2. Carriage of Dangerous Goods (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2001, Carriage of Explosives (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2001 and Amendments to Associated Approved Documents.
4.3. Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations (NI) 2001.
Agreed - to advise the Department that the Committee was content, at this stage, with the proposals but would seek additional information on the cost benefit analysis when available.
5. OFREG Consultation Reports
Mr McDonnell left the meeting at 10.43am
Mr McDonnell rejoined the meeting at 11.37am
Mr Clyde joined the meeting at 11.38am
5.1. Review of Price Controls for NIE plc.
5.2. Review of NIE Guaranteed and Overall Standards of Performance.
The Committee discussed these reports and identified a number of issues.
Agreed - to write to OFREG detailing the Committee's comments.
Mr Attwood left the meeting at 11.53am
6. Electricity System Performance during 27 and 28 February 2001
6.1. The Committee discussed the NIE and OFREG reports.
Agreed - To write to OFREG and NIE detailing the Committee's comments and also to write to the Committee for Regional Development regarding the need for a coordinated approach to road openings and the supply of standby generators in water pumping stations.
Mr Attwood rejoined the meeting at 11.55am
7. Statutory Rule 202/2001 - Weights and Measures - Non-automatic Weighing Instruments (Use for Trade) Regulations (NI) 2001
7.1. The Committee considered the merits of the Statutory Rule taking into account the Rule itself and the Explanatory Memorandum.
Agreed - to await the report from the Examiner of Statutory Rules before replying to the department.
Strategy 2010 Inquiry
8.1. The Committee Clerk reported that a response to the Committee's report on the Strategy 2010 Inquiry had been received from the Minister. The Committee were advised that the Minister will attend a meeting of the Committee on 4 July to discuss his response.
9. Any other business
9.1. Departmental Budget 2002/03 - The Committee Clerk reported that a departmental official would be present at the meeting of the Committee on 20 June to outline the budget proposals to the members.
9.2. All-island Energy Conference - An Assembly Researcher presented a report of the conference he had attended on behalf of the Committee.
Agreed - that if members had any comments on the content of the report they should be passed to the Committee Clerk as soon as possible.
10. Date of next meeting
10.1. The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Wednesday 20 June at 10am in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.
The meeting closed at 12.15pm
Mr S Neeson(Deputy Chairperson)