1. Minutes of Previous Meeting
2. Matters Arising
3. Arrangements for Forthcoming Plenary Meetings
4. Any Other Business
5. Date, Time and Venue of Next Meeting

Present: The Speaker
Mr I Davis
Mr D Ford
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr A Maskey
Dr A McDonnell
Ms M McWilliams
Mr M Morrow
Mr C Murphy
Mr D Watson
Mr J Wilson

In attendance: Mr M Barnes Ms G Campbell
Mr J Reynolds Mr N Johnston
Mr J Ross

Observers: Mr D McClelland Deputy Speaker
Ms J Morrice Deputy Speaker

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed by the Committee and signed by the Speaker.

2. MATTERS ARISING

2.1 Protocol: The Speaker is continuing to follow up issues of protocol and will liaise with Whips/Party leaders when proposals have been finalised. He advised the Committee that as part of this process he was consulting with the Scottish Parliament regarding their arrangements.

2.2 Deputy Chairpersons of the Business Committee: Mr A Maskey proposed Mr C Murphy as a deputy chairperson of the Business Committee. The Speaker confirmed that he would bring this matter back to a future meeting of the Committee after recess.

3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORTHCOMING PLENARY MEETING

The Speaker outlined arrangements for tabling questions, topics for adjournment debates, Motions and responses to oral and written questions over the summer recess. Members will be issued with appropriate written guidance as soon as is practicable. The Speaker informed Members that, over the recess period, all Assembly correspondence will be forwarded to the address used for the Business Bundle.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The Speaker informed Members that some changes in seating arrangements within the Assembly Chamber had been agreed by the Assembly Commission. Mr Maskey requested a thorough review of all current seating arrangements.

The Speaker, at the request of the Assembly Commission, asked Members to consider the issue of window displays, particularly with regard to the flying of flags within the building. Members asked for guidance from the Commission on the rules that might be applied.

The Speaker informed Members that the Assembly Commission had approved the relocation of the shop from the basement area of Parliament Buildings to allow it to share premises with the Post Office. The space freed up by this move would be used to develop a lunch facility for parties visiting the building during Sitting days.

5. DATE ,TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

It was agreed that the next meeting of the Business Committee would take place on Tuesday 5 September 2000 in Room 106 at 12.30 pm.

The meeting adjourned at 1.24 pm.

THE LORD ALDERDICE
The Speaker