MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS
BUSINESS COMMITTEE
TUESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2001 AT 12.30 PM
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
The meeting began at 12.34 pm.
Present:
The Speaker
Mr I Davis
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr A Maskey
Mr K McCarthy
Dr A McDonnell
Mr M Morrow
Mr C Murphy
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 G Beattie Executive Liaison
Ms J Morrice
Sir J Gorman
Mr J Tierney
- MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1.1 The minutes of the previous meeting of 6 November 2001 were AGREED by the Committee and signed by the Speaker.
- MATTERS ARISING
2.1 Ministerial Code
Members had been circulated with a copy of Section 3 of the Ministerial Code and AGREED to give this consideration at the next meeting of the Committee.
2.2 Issue of Order Paper
Mr J Wilson asked why the Order Papers for 19 and 20 November had been issued later in the afternoon on the previous Thursday than was usual. The Speaker clarified that while Whips would have noticed some delay, the overall issue to Members took place at the usual time. The delay was due to the Business Office having been notified that one of the motions agreed by the Business Committee, 'Redundancies at Bombardier', was being withdrawn. One of the signatories, Mr Peter Robinson MP, wished to withdraw his name because he now occupied a Ministerial post. This withdrawal was understandable and proper, although Mr Robinson could have spoken as a Private Member since the motion related to his constituency. The remaining signatory, Mr Sammy Wilson, had indicated he would not be present to move the motion because he would be attending a meeting of the Police Board. The Speaker had asked that the Order Paper be held until the Business Office had obtained confirmation from the Party Whip that they were content that the motion would not be on the Order Paper.
2.3 Ministerial Statements
Members welcomed the Speaker's ruling, delivered at Plenary on Tuesday 20 November, that Members would not be called to ask questions to the Minister where they had not been present during the preceding Ministerial Statement.
- ARRANGEMENTS FOR PLENARY MEETING WEEK COMMENCING 26 NOVEMBER 2001
3.1 Business for the Plenary Sitting 26 November 2001 was discussed, the Order Paper AGREED and indicative timings allocated.
3.2 The Speaker clarified that in respect of Bills, debate could only take place at Second and Final Stages. Members wishing to generate debate at Consideration or Further Consideration Stages could only do so by speaking to clause stand part or by tabling an amendment to the Bill. Members noted that any amendments to the Bills listed on the Order Paper for Monday 26 November would have to be submitted to the Bill Office before 4.30 pm on Thursday 22 November 2001.
3.3 Members noted that if further amendments are tabled to either of the Bills listed for Consideration Stage, it may be necessary to place a Business motion on the Order Paper allowing the sitting for Monday 26 November to extend beyond 6.00 pm.
- ANY OTHER BUSINESS
4.1 Private Members' Motions - Names on the Order Paper
Following discussion, it was AGREED that up to 4 names may be added to the Order Paper for each Private Members' motion. This now being the case, the Speaker clarified that all 4 signatories would have to signify consent to the Business Office for any such motion to be withdrawn. It was further AGREED that this item would be kept under review.
4.2 Rota for Questions for Oral Answer 14 January 2002
The rota was AGREED.
4.3 Changes to Party Membership
The Speaker notified Members he had received written confirmation from Peter Weir that he was no longer a Member of the Ulster Unionist Party. This was already reflected in the voting strengths for the Business Committee. No party allowance would be paid in respect of Mr Weir unless the Speaker is notified by Mr Weir or by a Party Whip that he has joined another group in the Assembly. The Speaker clarified that, in terms of speaking arrangements, a Member who is not a Member of a Party and does not take the Party Whip will not be called in the Party rotation for speaking, but at the Speaker's discretion.
4.4 Report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules
Members discussed the report. It was AGREED that the Speaker should write to the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister expressing concern at the number of statutory rules that had breached the 21-day rule, and asking on behalf of the Assembly that Ministers adhere to the rule in future.
4.5 No Day Named List
It was AGREED that the Business Office contact Mr Norman Boyd in respect of the motion 'GAA' which is no longer competent. The Speaker reminded Members of the importance of monitoring all motions and brought Members' attention in particular to 'Individual Learning Accounts' [Mr J Byrne/Mr J Dallat] which is no longer competent and 'Crisis in the Health Service' [Ms C Hanna] which is time-bound.
4.6 The Speaker reminded Members there will only be an opportunity for three further Business Committee meetings prior to Christmas Recess and asked them to consider at what stage the Committee should agree the Order Paper for the first Plenary meeting after Christmas Recess.
- DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING
5.1 The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 27 November 2001 at 12.30 pm in Room 106.
The meeting adjourned at 1.27 pm.