Present:The Speaker
Mr B Hutchinson
Dr A McDonnell
Mr K McCarthy
Mr E McGrady MP
Mr A Maskey
Mr M Morrow
Mr I Paisley Jnr
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
Mr D McClarty

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

1.1 The minutes of the meeting of 23 October 2001 and both meetings of 5 November 2001 were AGREED by the Committee and signed by the Speaker.

2. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PLENARY MEETINGS WEEK COMMENCING 12 NOVEMBER 2001

2.1 Business for the Plenary Sittings on 12 and 13 November 2001 was discussed, the Order Papers AGREED and indicative timings allocated.

2.2 It was AGREED that the debate on the Motion 'Draft Programme for Government' tabled for Tuesday 13 November 2001, would provide an opportunity for backbench Members and Committee Chairpersons to speak; Ministers could be called towards the end of the debate, before the wind, to respond to issues raised.

3. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

3.1 The Speaker notified Members that Professor Allen Weinstein would be visiting Parliament Buildings on 15 November and wished to meet as many of the Whips and Deputy Whips as possible. The Overseas Office would be contacting Members to arrange a suitable schedule of meetings.

3.2 Private Members' Motions - Names on the Order Paper

Members AGREED to consider at a future date current practice whereby only two names are placed on the Order Paper for each Motion and to consider circumstances where it may be appropriate to place the names of all those who signed the Motion on the Order Paper.

4. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

4.1 The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 13 November 2001 at 12.30 pm in Room 106.

The meeting adjourned at 12.15 pm.