MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS

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

The meeting began at 12.53 pm

Present: The Speaker
Mr I Davis
Mr N Dodds
Mr D Ford
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr E McGrady MP
Dr A McDonnell
Mr A Maskey
Mr I Paisley Jnr
Mr J Wilson

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

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

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the meeting of 6 March 2001 were AGREED by the Committee and signed by the Speaker.

2. MATTERS ARISING

2.1 Question Time Procedures

It was AGREED to refer this matter to a future meeting of the Committee once Members had given thought as to whether procedures should be amended.

3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORTHCOMING PLENARY MEETING

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

3.2 It was noted that the Executive Committee proposes to table a number of Motions on policy issues over the coming weeks.

3.3 It was agreed that two Private Members' Motions on the Minimum Wage and Adolescent Psychiatric Services would be considered for debate during week commencing 2 April 2001.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

4.1 Proceeds of Crime - Consultation

It was AGREED to put forward a Motion to establish an Ad Hoc Committee to consider the draft Proceeds of Crime Bill. The Motion will be listed on the Order Paper for Monday 26 March 2001 and will be proposed by Mr E McGrady MP and Dr A McDonnell on behalf of the Business Committee.

4.2 Members AGREED that the Secretary of State should be given written notification that the current timescales for such consultation exercises are insufficient to allow proper consideration, and that the timetable for legislation should be reviewed.

4.3 Membership of British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body

The Speaker advised the Committee that the present Assembly representatives would continue as the Assembly's delegates to the Body. Each of the nominees would also be invited to nominate a colleague to act as an associate member of the body with one further nominee each from the SDLP and Sinn Féin and one from the other parties. The positions available to the UUP and DUP remained unfilled.

4.4 Electoral Commission

A presentation will take place at 6.15 pm on Monday 2 April 2001 in the Members' Dining Room by Mr Sam Younger, Chairman of the Electoral Commission. Parties were invited to nominate representatives to attend this event (by lunchtime on Wednesday 28 March 2001).

4.5 Visit to Washington DC

A draft report will be issued to Members by the end of the week for consideration at next week's meeting.

5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

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

The meeting adjourned at 1.30 pm.

THE LORD ALDERDICE

The Speaker

6 March 2001 / Menu / 27 March 2001