MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS
BUSINESS COMMITTEE
TUESDAY 27 MARCH 2001 AT 12.30 PM
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
The meeting began at 12.39 pm
Present: The Speaker
Mr I Davis
Mr N Dodds
Mr D Ford
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr E McGrady MP
Dr A McDonnell
Mr P McNamee
Ms Monica McWilliams
Mr J Wilson
Mr D Watson
In attendance: Mr J Reynolds Principal Clerk of Business
Mrs N Dunwoody Clerk of Plenary Business
Ms G Campbell
Mr J Ross
Observers: Mr D McClelland Deputy Speaker
Sir John Gorman Deputy Speaker
Ms J Morrice Deputy Speaker
Mr T McCusker Executive Liaison
1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the meeting of 20 March 2001 were AGREED by the Committee and signed by the Speaker.
2. MATTERS ARISING
2.1 Question Time Procedures
It was AGREED that the Speaker would seek comments from the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. The Principal Clerk will compile a paper incorporating these comments and those of Members for consideration at a future meeting in early May.
2.2 Ad Hoc Committee: Proceeds of Crime
The Speaker confirmed that he had written to the Secretary of State pointing up the concerns about the short length of time afforded to Committees to consider such draft legislation.
Nominations were sought for the Committee, these are to be confirmed to the Business Office as soon as possible.
2.3 Electoral Commission
Members were reminded to forward to the Speaker's Office nominations to attend the presentation by the Chairman of the Electoral Commission at 6.15 pm on Monday 2 April 2001 in the Members' Dining Room.
3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORTHCOMING PLENARY MEETING
3.1 The proposed business for the Plenary Sittings on 2 and 3 April 2001 was discussed, Order Papers AGREED and indicative timings allocated.
3.2 Members observed that there may be an increase in Motions tabled by the Executive Committee in coming weeks. Members requested notice of statements from the Executive Committee as far in advance as possible. In particular Members noted the authority of the Business Committee to determine the time available for Executive Committee business.
3.3 The Speaker confirmed that the First Stage of any Bill may be read notwithstanding its not being listed on the Order Paper.
3.4 Members noted that next week's Business Committee will be making arrangements for the Plenary Meetings week commencing 23 April. In light of the prospect of a General Election it was noted that the Business Committee might consider whether the Assembly might constrain Plenary Sittings to only one day per week.
4. WASHINGTON VISIT
4.1 The draft report had been circulated. Members agreed to consider it at the next meeting.
5. DRAFT INFORMATION SECURITY MANUAL
5.1 This had been circulated to Members who were requested to forward any comments direct to the Head of Security.
6. ROTA FOR ORAL QUESTIONS 8 MAY - 11 JUNE 2001
Members agreed the rota and noted that Question Time for weeks commencing 7 May and 28 May would take place on the Tuesday.
7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
7.1 Consent for Bills
In a reply to a query from Ms McWilliams, the Speaker clarified that only Bills requiring consent are forwarded to the Secretary of State by the Speaker in advance of First Stage. Where the Secretary of State withholds consent, the decision will not normally be challenged by the Speaker. The fact that an issue has been issued for consultation by the Executive Committee does not prevent a Committee of the Assembly from considering that issue, nor was it a basis on which consent for a Bill had to be withheld.
7.2 Committee Business
It was agreed that a projection of forthcoming Committee Business for consideration as plenary business should be made available to the Business Committee.
8. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 3 April 2001 in Room 106 at 12.30 pm.
The meeting adjourned at 1.40 pm.
THE LORD ALDERDICE
The Speaker