MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS

BUSINESS COMMITTEE
TUESDAY 1 MAY 2001 AT 12.30 PM
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

The meeting began at 12.40 pm

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

In attendance: Mr M Barnes Clerk Assistant
Ms N Dunwoody Clerk of Plenary Business
Ms G Campbell Private Secretary to the Speaker
Mr J Ross

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

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the meeting of 24 April 2001 were AGREED by the Committee and signed by the Speaker.

2. MATTERS ARISING

2.1 The Committee AGREED that the Speaker should write to the Secretary of State and indicate that the consultation period for legislation was adequate in most cases but that circumstances could arise when it was not, in which case it would be requested that the Secretary of State would allow more time.

2.2 Mr McCusker AGREED to report back to a future meeting clarifying the protocol to be applied in notifying Members when an Executive Minister will be visiting a constituency.

2.3 The Speaker advised Members that those wishing to avail of the opportunity to meet Professor Weinstein on his visit to Parliament Buildings on 11 May 2001 were to submit names to John Ross in the Business Office.

3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORTHCOMING PLENARY MEETING

3.1 The Speaker informed Members he had been made aware of some dissension regarding the appropriate Committee to take forward the Product Liability (Amendment) Bill, which was due for Second Stage on 8 May 2001. It was AGREED that the Business Office would provide a paper on the origin, purpose and detail of the Bill for Members' consideration at the next meeting.

Members AGREED that the Speaker should write to the relevant Chairs of Committee and urge them to seek a mutually acceptable agreement. The Speaker reminded Members that under Standing Order 48, if the matter still remained unresolved, the Business Committee would be required, by vote if necessary, to make a decision on the Committee to which the Bill should be referred.

3.2 Members AGREED to defer tabling the Second Stage of the Children's Commissioner Bill, standing in the names of Ms M McWilliams and Ms J Morrice, until Members had taken the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the detailed content of the Bill and the implications of proceeding with it at this stage. This was in light of ongoing consultation being carried out on the same subject and work being brought forward by the Committee of the Centre.

It was AGREED to create a list of Private Members' Bills awaiting Second Reading, to be included as part of Business Committee papers. If appropriate, the Committee would consider inviting the Member sponsoring the Bill to give a presentation to the Committee. Members could then decide when the Bill could proceed to Second Stage. The Speaker advised Members that a protocol was currently being developed for bringing forward Private Members' Bills.

3.3 A proposal by Dr Alasdair McDonnell seconded by Mr Jim Wilson that the Assembly should sit for one day only during week commencing 7 May 2001 was passed by 68 votes for, 31 votes against. It was therefore AGREED that the Assembly should meet on Tuesday 8 May 2001.

3.4 Members tabled five individual bids for two Private Members' Motions for inclusion on the Order Paper. These were:

Fireworks - Mr M McCarthy/Mrs E Bell
Alcohol Bye-Laws - Mrs J Carson
Child Protection - Ms P Lewsley
Audit Office Report - Mr J Kelly
No Confidence in the Minister of Education - Mr P Robinson/Mr N Dodds

Mr Alex Maskey proposed that the two Motions be 'Fireworks' and 'Alcohol Bye-Laws'. Mr Nigel Dodds submitted an amendment to this proposal, replacing 'Alcohol Bye-Laws' with the 'No Confidence' Motion relating to the Minister of Education. The original bid (Mr Ivan Davis) to have 'Alcohol Bye-Laws' debated was then withdrawn. The proposal therefore (Mr Dodds) stood that the Assembly debate 'Fireworks' and 'No Confidence'.

3.5 Mr Eddie McGrady MP tabled an amendment to replace 'No Confidence' with 'Child Protection' which was defeated by 42 votes for, 57 votes against. Following a vote, the proposal from Mr Dodds was then passed by 57 votes for, 42 votes against.

3.6 On this basis proposed business for the Plenary Sitting on 8 May 2001 was discussed, Order Paper AGREED and indicative timings allocated.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

4.1 The Speaker reported that the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment had invited Members to a presentation on the Social Economy. This will be held on Tuesday 15 May 2001 at 1.15 pm in the Long Gallery, with a buffet lunch provided. Those wishing to attend should contact the Business Office.

4.2 The Speaker reminded Members that responses to the draft paper on Party Costs Allowance were now due and should be submitted to the Assembly Commission office as soon as possible.

4.3 In response to a request, the Speaker undertook to give consideration to the behaviour of a Member during the course of the debate on 'Relief for Businesses affected by foot-and-mouth disease'.

4.4 The Speaker reminded Members that it was discourteous for Members to arrive in the House shortly before making their contribution to a debate only to leave immediately after speaking without waiting to hear the Ministerial response.

4.5 The Speaker further reminded Members that, during adjournment debates, he would ensure Members kept to the subject by calling them to order. If after two warnings the Member persisted in their digression, the Speaker would then call the next Member on the speaking list.

5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 8 May 2001 in Room 106 at 1.30 pm.

The meeting adjourned at 1.55 pm.

THE LORD ALDERDICE
The Speaker

13 February 2001 / Menu / 8 May 2001