MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS
BUSINESS COMMITTEE
THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2002 AT 9.15 AM
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
The meeting began at 9.20 am.
Present:
The Speaker
Mr P J Bradley
Mr I Davis
Mr D McClarty
Mr M Morrow
Mr I Paisley Jnr
Mr D Watson
In attendance:
Mr A Rogers Principal Clerk of Business
Mr S McCourt Clerk of Business
Ms G Campbell Private Secretary to the Speaker
Mr A Moir Clerk to the Assembly
Observers:
Mr G Beattie Executive Liaison
Ms E Bell
Ms J Morrice
Mr J Wilson
1. ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SPECIAL SITTING ON 4 APRIL 2002
1.1 The Speaker informed Members that having received an indication from the First Minister's Office, he instructed that Members of the Business Committee be consulted of the need to recall the Assembly. The sitting had been scheduled accordingly taking into consideration funeral arrangements for HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and Special Sittings of both Houses of Parliament.
The Speaker informed Members that he would invite the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Party Leaders, or their nominated representatives, to pay a short tribute to The Queen Mother. Following the sitting he would write to HM The Queen, attaching a copy of Hansard, to express, on behalf of the Assembly, condolences to her and to the Royal Family on their sad loss.
The Speaker also informed Members that a Book of Condolence would be made available in the Great Hall for those Members, staff and press working in Parliament Buildings or on the Stormont Estate.
It was AGREED that a minute's silence would be observed following the Speaker's introductory comments to the proceedings.
2. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
2.1 Golden Jubilee
The Speaker informed Members that, having received no objections during his meetings with the parties, he had issued an invitation to Her Majesty The Queen to attend Parliament Buildings for a reception in the Great Hall at which she could meet Members and make a short address. The Speaker undertook to keep Members informed of developments.
Committee of the Centre - Launch of EU Inquiry Report
The Speaker informed Members that the Committee of the Centre had invited Members to attend the launch of its EU Inquiry Report on Monday 8 April 2002 at 5.00 pm in the Long Gallery.
3. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING
3.1 As the funeral for The Queen Mother would be taking place on Tuesday 9 April, it was AGREED that the next meeting of the Business Committee should be re-scheduled for Monday 8 April 2002, at 9.15 am in Room 106.
The meeting adjourned at 9.37 am.
THE LORD ALDERDICE
The Speaker