MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS

BUSINESS COMMITTEE
TUESDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2001 AT 12.30 PM
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

The meeting began at 12.38 pm

Present: The Speaker
Mr I Davis
Mr N Dodds
Mr D Ford
Mr A Maskey
Ms M McWilliams
Mr B Hutchinson

Apologies: Mr J Wilson

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

Observers: Ms J Morrice Deputy Speaker
Ms L Devlin Executive Liaison
Mr J Tierney

1. PRIVATE NOTICE QUESTION

Following a request by the Minister it was AGREED that the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Sir Reg Empey, should answer a Private Notice Question as the first item of business in the afternoon in light of the exceptional circumstances and without prejudice to any future decision. It was further AGREED that the Speaker would write to the Chairperson of the Committee on Procedures to propose an amendment to SO20(1) to allow PNQs to be taken at other times.

2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the meeting of 20 February 2001 were AGREED by the Committee and signed by the Speaker.

3. MATTERS ARISING

3.1 Visit to Washington DC

The Speaker commended the work carried out by John Ross in the Business Office in organising the travel details and itinerary for the trip. A draft programme has already been issued and folders containing a full itinerary will be available from the Business Office at the end of the week.

3.2 Plenary Speaking Rotation

It was AGREED to maintain the current convention whereby when the Chair or Deputy Chair of a Committee speaks during relevant debates, this counts against the party rotation in the choice of speakers. The Speaker reminded Members that where a Member speaks during a motion or debate, they should endeavour to be in the Chamber to hear the Minister's response.

4. ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORTHCOMING PLENARY MEETING

4.1 The proposed business for the Plenary Sittings on 5/6 March 2001 was discussed and indicative timings allocated.

4.2 It was AGREED that the Programme for Government debate for Tuesday 6 March should be open-ended, with no limit on speaking times. Conduct of the debate and timings would be reviewed at next week's Business Committee.

4.3 The Speaker reminded Members that the Business Committee meeting of 6 March would aim to agree the plenary business for weeks commencing 12 March and 20 March.

5. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

5.1 Basement Restaurant

The Speaker reminded Members that no more than 6 visitors per Member should be brought to the Basement Restaurant on Sitting days. Larger parties can be accommodated in the Visitor's Restaurant which must be booked in advance through Events Co-ordination Branch. Members bringing visitors to the Members' Bar should remain with them.

5.2 Plenary Sittings

Members raised difficulties in attending the Plenary Sitting and Committee meetings held at the same time. It was AGREED that Members should note the issues arising and propose solutions to the Business Office for discussion at a future meeting. The Clerk was charged to draft a paper for a future meeting which noted the issues and provided options for resolution and possible recommendations for issue to the Committee on Procedures.

6. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 6 March 2001 in Room 106 at 12.30 pm.

The meeting adjourned at 1.35 pm.

THE LORD ALDERDICE

The Speaker

20 February 2001 / Menu / 6 March 2001