MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS

BUSINESS COMMITTEE
TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2001 AT 12.30 PM
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

The meeting began at 12.35 pm

Present: The Speaker
Mr N Dodds
Mr D Ford
Mr A Maskey
Mr C Murphy
Dr A McDonnell
Ms M McWilliams
Mr I Paisley Jnrbr> Mr D Watson
Mr J Wilson
Mr B Hutchinson

In attendance: Mr J Reynolds
Ms G Campbell
Mrs N Dunwoody

Observers: Sir J Gorman Deputy Speaker
Ms J Morrice Deputy Speaker
Mr T McCusker Executive Liaison
Mr D McClarty
Mr J Tierney

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the meeting on 13 February 2001 were AGREED by the Committee and signed by the Speaker.

2. MATTERS ARISING

St Patrick's Day

2.1 The Speaker advised that invitations had been issued to Members for the St Patrick's Night event.

2.2 Visit to Washington DC

Members were advised to contact the Business Office in respect of the details of the programme and travelling arrangements.

3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORTHCOMING PLENARY MEETING

3.1 The proposed business for the Plenary Sittings on 26 and 27 February 2001 was discussed and indicative timings allocated.

3.2 The Speaker advised that some provisions of the Street Trading Bill required the consent of the Secretary of State. It was AGREED that Committee Clerks should remind Committees at the appropriate stage of their deliberations that any legislation imposing a criminal charge would require the approval of the Secretary of State before entering its Final Stage.

3.3 The Speaker reminded the meeting that proposed changes to Committee membership may be tabled on the following week's Order Paper after the Business Committee has met.

3.4 It was AGREED that two No Day Named Motions relating to the Royal Commission Report on Long Term Care (Mr K McCarthy) and Care for the Elderly (Mr N Dodds/Mr I Paisley Jnr) would be placed on the Order Paper for Tuesday 27 February and taken as one debate.

3.5 The Speaker reminded Members that Amendments to Motions are considered and selected by the Speaker at 9.30 am on the morning prior to the substantive Motion being debated. Until this happens, the Amendment cannot be considered to be accepted. It is not, therefore, good practice for Members to trail the Amendment in the Press prior to the decision being made.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

4.1 Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Meeting at 3.00 pm on Tuesday 27 February

The Speaker advised that the inaugural meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association will be held in the Library Reading Room. A draft Constitution would be made available. Further information, if required, is available from the Clerk Assistant. A dinner will be held that evening to mark the occasion, and the Speaker asked for one representative from each Party to attend the dinner.

4.2 Lunch for Georgian Parliamentarians on 1 March

The Speaker notified the meeting that he would host a lunch at 12.30 pm on 1 March in the Members' Dining Room in honour of a delegation of parliamentarians from Georgia. Each Party was invited to nominate one representative to attend the lunch.

4.3 Commonwealth Parliamentary Society Exhibition

The Speaker reminded Members that Commonwealth Day would be celebrated on Monday 12 March. An exhibition by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Society to coincide with the event will be held between 12-16 March in the Long Gallery. The Speaker would host a presentation and lunch in the Long Gallery on 16 March.

4.4 Private Notice Questions

The Speaker reminded Members that in the normal course of events PNQs regarding local job losses would not be considered a profitable use of the Assembly's time, and as such would not be accepted by the Speaker.

4.5 The Speaker clarified that where Chairs/Deputy Chairs of Committees are present in the Chamber during a relevant debate, they will be given priority in the order of speaking. During a speech as Chair, they may also take the opportunity to speak on their own behalf although on balance their individual contribution should be shorter. It was AGREED to discuss at a future meeting the issue whether the Chair of a Committee speaking during relevant debates as Chair, should be considered under the party rotation in the choice of speakers.

5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 27 February 2001 in Room 106 at 12.30 pm.

The meeting adjourned at 1.40 pm.

THE LORD ALDERDICE

The Speaker

13 February 2001 / Menu / 27 February 2001