Present: The Speaker
Mr I Davis
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr K McCarthy
Mr E McGrady MP
Mr A Maskey
Mr M Morrow
Mr C Murphy
Mr D Watson
Mr J Wilson

In attendance: Mr A Moir Clerk to the Assembly
Mr A Rogers Principal Clerk of Business
Ms N Dunwoody Clerk of Plenary Business
Ms G Campbell Private Secretary to the Speaker

Observers: Mr T McCusker Executive Liaison
Ms J Morrice
Mr D McClelland

1. SPEAKER'S BUSINESS

1.1 The Speaker welcomed Mr Morrow to the Business Committee, Mr Morrow having replaced Mr Dodds.

2. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PLENARY MEETING 6 NOVEMBER 2001

2.1 The Speaker confirmed that this meeting had been convened to discuss Plenary Business for Tuesday 6 November following receipt of 2 Petitions of Concern in respect of the vote on the Amendment to Standing Order 3(8) and the vote on the Election of First and Deputy First Ministers.

2.2 The Order Paper was AGREED. It was AGREED that business would consist of the votes only, with no debate.

3. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

3.1 Private Members' Motions

Following a query by Mr E McGrady MP, the Speaker clarified that the procedure of putting 2 names on the Order Paper regardless of how many Members had signed the Motion, had arisen as a matter of custom and practice. It would be open to the Business Committee to review this process. It was AGREED to refer the matter to a future meeting of the Committee.

4. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

4.1 The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 6 November 2001, 10 minutes after the House rises, in Room 106.

The meeting adjourned at 1.43 pm.