MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS

BUSINESS COMMITTEE
TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2001 AT 12.30 PM
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

The meeting began at 12.36 pm

Present: The Speaker
Mr I Davis
Mr N Dodds
Mr D Ford
Mr C Murphy
Mr E McGrady MP
Ms M McWilliams
Mr I Paisley Jnr
Mr D Watson
Mr J Wilson

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

Observers: Sir J Gorman Deputy Speaker

Mr T McCusker Executive Liaison
Mr D Ervine
Mr D McClarty
Mr J Tierney
Mr P Price Information Office

1. ATTENDANCE

The Speaker advised the meeting that Mr D McClarty was in attendance to be made aware of any issues that may arise during the coming week when the two party whips would be away in Washington on Business Committee business.

2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the meeting of 27 February 2001 were AGREED by the Committee and signed by the Speaker.

3. MATTERS ARISING

3.1 Programme for Government Debate

It was AGREED that for the afternoon session, 7 minutes would be allowed for each speaker, with 10 minutes for the wind on the amendment and 20 minutes for the Ministerial wind.

3.2 Plenary Sittings

It was AGREED to table this item for a future meeting once Members had had the opportunity to advise the Business Office of issues arising out of Plenary meetings and Committee meetings being held at the same time.

4. ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORTHCOMING PLENARY MEETING

4.1 The proposed business for the Plenary Sittings on 12 March 2001 and 20 March 2001 was discussed and indicative timings allocated.

4.2 The Speaker reminded Members that no notification had yet been received from the Secretary of State regarding the Trustee Bill. If approval has not been received by Thursday 8 March at 2.00 pm the First Stage will not be included in the Order Paper for 12 March. If approval is subsequently received, the first reading may take place on 12 March without the Bill appearing on the Order Paper.

4.3 It was AGREED there would be no Plenary sitting on Tuesday 13 March. This opportunity could be used by Committees to convene meetings for outstanding business where relevant.

5. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

5.1 The Speaker advised the meeting he had received a letter from the Chairman of the Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment Committee regarding terms of reference for an inquiry into 'Education and Training for Industry'. The terms of reference did not impact on Business Committee deliberations.

5.2 Visit to Washington DC

Final arrangements were discussed and agreed.

5.3 Oral Questions

It was AGREED that copies of oral questions should be made available for visitors to the galleries during Question Time.

It was AGREED to refer the matter of Question Time procedures to a future meeting of the Committee.

6. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 20 March 2001 in Room 106 at 12.30 pm.

The meeting adjourned at 12.44 pm.

THE LORD ALDERDICE

The Speaker

27 February 2001 / Menu / 20 March 2001