1. The Situation in Scotland
2. Background
3. Assembly Procedure
4. Future Procedure

The meeting began at 12.50 pm

Present: The Speaker
Mr I Davis
Mr D Ford
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr A Maskey
Dr A McDonnell
Mr D Watson

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

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

1. The Situation in Scotland

The Speaker convened a Special Meeting of the Business Committee to discuss the procedure for formal expressions of condolence in the event of the notification of death of The Rt Hon Donald Dewar MP MSP.

2. Background

The Speaker outlined his understanding of the proposed arrangements for the Westminster, Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly.

3. Assembly Procedure

The Committee agreed that in the event of the notification of the death of The Rt Hon Donald Dewar MP MSP a formal Motion of Condolence should appear in the Order Paper standing in the name of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and should be taken as the first item of business on Monday 16 October 2000. The Committee agreed that the Assembly should then suspend for a period of one hour as a mark of respect after party leaders had been given the opportunity to express their condolences. The Committee agreed that the Speaker should represent the Assembly at the funeral of Mr Dewar.

4. Future Procedure

Mr Jim Wells proposed and the Committee agreed that this method of expressing condolence should not be regarded as a precedent and that each occasion should be judged on the differing circumstances surrounding these types of events.

The Speaker agreed to liaise with Business Managers during Assembly Business on Monday 16 October 2000 to keep them fully informed of indicative timings of all aspects of business.

The meeting was adjourned at 1.13 pm.

THE LORD ALDERDICE
The Speaker