MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS

BUSINESS COMMITTEE
TUESDAY 3 APRIL 2001 AT 12.30 PM
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

The meeting began at 12.35 pm

Present: The Speaker
Mr I Davis
Mr D Ford
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr A Maskey
Mr E McGrady MP
Dr A McDonnell
Ms Monica McWilliams
Mr I Paisley Jnr
Mr J Wilson
Mr D Watson

In attendance: Mr A Moir Clerk to the Assembly
Mr J Reynolds Principal Clerk of Business
Ms G Campbell Private Secretary to the Speaker
Mr J Ross

Observers: Mr D McClelland Deputy Speaker
Mr T McCusker Executive Liaison
Mr P McNamee

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

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

2. MATTERS ARISING

2.1 The Speaker welcomed Mr Arthur Moir, Clerk to the Assembly, to the meeting of the Business Committee.

2.2 The Committee AGREED to the publication of the report on the recent Business Committee visit to Washington, DC (subject to an amendment proposed by Ms Monica McWilliams). The Committee AGREED that the report would be printed and made available to all Members of the Assembly.

2.3 The Committee expressed its appreciation of the arrangements which had been made by the Committee's staff in connection with the visit.

2.4 The Committee recorded its desire to ensure that the recommendations in the Report were implemented.

3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORTHCOMING PLENARY MEETING

3.1 The proposed business for the Plenary Sittings on 23, 24 and 25 April 2001 was discussed, Order Papers AGREED and indicative timings allocated.

3.2 The Committee AGREED that the Motions relating to the suspension and amendment of Standing Orders on the Order Paper for 23 April 2001 should be grouped together and considered in a single debate.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

4.1 The Speaker referred to papers on Party Allowance Scheme which had been circulated to all Members. He reminded Members of the opportunity, as party whips, to respond to the paper. Responses to be sent to the Commission Office by 30 April 2001.

4.2 The Speaker drew the attention of Members to correspondence issued to the Secretary of State regarding the tight schedule imposed for the consideration of legislation relating to Orders in Council. In a letter to the President of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, the Secretary of State reflected the view that he did not see, at present, a need to review the statutory consideration/consultation arrangements for proposals as set out in Section 85 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 24 April 2001 in Room 106 at 12.30 pm.

The meeting adjourned at 1.30 pm.

THE LORD ALDERDICE

The Speaker

27 March 2001 / Menu / 10 April 2001