MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS
BUSINESS COMMITTEE
TUESDAY 24 OCTOBER 2000 AT 12.30 PM
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

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

Observers:
Ms J Morrice Deputy Speaker
Mr T McCusker Executive Liaison

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 The Committee agreed to adopt a Single Day Order Paper, on a trial basis, until the Christmas recess to help alleviate the difficulties in timing Assembly business.

3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORTHCOMING PLENARY MEETING

3.1 The Speaker circulated draft Order Papers for the plenary sittings on 6/7 November 2000 and 13/14 November 2000 and indicated indicative timings. The Speaker also circulated Single Day Order Papers for the 6/7 November 2000 for consideration by Members. The Committee agreed the content of Order Papers for 6 and 7 November 2000.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

4.1 The Speaker reminded Members that Ministers and Chairpersons of Committees who are acting in an official capacity should address the Assembly from the front benches. Those who require a lectern should make arrangements with the Doorkeepers/Keeper of the House beforehand.

4.2 The Speaker asked Members to give consideration to the introduction of a Ballot for Private Members' Bills. The Assembly Commission has decided that financial assistance for drafting purposes can only be granted to a limited number of Bills and as such some form of selection process will have to be adopted.

4.3 The Speaker confirmed that Motions and Oral/Written Questions or amendments to Bills may not be tabled during Hallowe'en recess.

5. DATE ,TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 7 November 2000 in Room 106 at 12.30 pm.

The meeting was adjourned at 2.04 pm.

THE LORD ALDERDICE
The Speaker