MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS
BUSINESS COMMITTEE
TUESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2002 AT 12.30 PM
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
The meeting began at 12.35 pm.
Present: Mr D Watson (Chairperson)
Mr I Davis
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr K McCarthy
Mr D McClarty
Mr M Morrow
Mr C Murphy
Mr I Paisley Jnr
Ms S Ramsey
In attendance: Ms N Dunwoody Clerk Assistant
Mr A Rogers Principal Clerk of Business
Mr S McCourt Clerk of Business
Ms G Campbell Private Secretary to the Speaker
Ms R Donnelly Assistant Clerk of Business
Observers: Ms R Flanagan Executive Liaison
Mr D McClelland
Dr A McDonnell
Ms J Morrice
Mr J Wilson
Apologies: The Speaker
Mr PJ Bradley
Ms P Lewsley
Ms M McWilliams
1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
The minutes of the previous meetings of 24 September 2002 were AGREED by the Committee.
2. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PLENARY MEETINGS WEEK COMMENCING 7 OCTOBER 2002
2.1 Monday, 7 October 2002
It was noted that the Executive wished to bring the following legislation forward for the sitting on 7 October 2002:
Consideration Stage:
Employment Bill
[Minister for Employment & Learning]
Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill
[Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development]
-
- Further Consideration Stage:
Company Directors Disqualification Bill
[Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment]
-
- Final Stage:
Children (Leaving Care) Bill
[Minister for Health, Social Services & Public Safety]
Members considered the Chairperson of the Committee of the Centre's request to establish a second sub-Committee. Members noted that, in accordance with Standing Order 58(2) the establishment of a second sub-Committee requires the approval of the Business Committee and the Assembly. Following discussion it was AGREED to defer consideration of the proposal until such times as further supporting information has been received from the Committee of the Centre.
It was AGREED that the motion tabled by the Chairperson of the Committee for Health, Social Services & Public Safety seeking an extension of the Committee Stage of the Protection of Children & Vulnerable Adults Bill would be included on the Order Paper for 7 October 2002.
It was AGREED that the following Members' Bills could be introduced on 7 October 2002 subject to confirmation that they are within the legal competence of the Assembly:
-
- First Stage:
Agriculture (Amendment) Bill
[Mr B Armstrong]
Planning (Farming Land) Bill
[Mr I Paisley Jnr]
It was AGREED that the 'Prayer of Annulment' motion tabled Mr Paul Berry regarding the Fire Services (Appointments and Promotion) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002 (SR283/2002) would be included on the Order Paper for 7 October 2002.
It was AGREED that the Adjournment debate on 'Maternity provision in South Belfast' would be included on the Order Paper for 7 October 2002.
2.2 Tuesday, 8 October 2002
It was noted that provisional notice had been received indicating that the following statements would be delivered to the Assembly on 8 October 2002:
- Review of Post Primary Education: Report on Responses to Consultation
[Minister of Education]
- NSMC: Agriculture
[Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development]
It was noted that the Executive wished to bring the following legislation forward for the sitting on 8 October 2002:
- Second Stage:
Strategic Investment and Regeneration of Sites Bill
[First Minister]
[Deputy First Minister]
Energy Bill
[Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment]
- Final Stage:
Limited Liability Partnerships Bill
[Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment]
Open-Ended Investment Companies Bill
[Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment]
It was AGREED to schedule 1 Private Members' Motion for the sitting on 8 October 2002. Following discussion, Members voted on 3 proposed motions. It was AGREED that the motion on 'Fair Price Commission' (26 votes) would be taken and allocated 2 hours for debate.
The draft Order Papers were AGREED and indicative timings allocated for the sittings on 7 and 8 October 2002.
3. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
3.1 New Rota for Questions for Oral Answer
Members discussed and AGREED the new Rota for Questions for Oral Answer to cover the period 4 November - 16 December 2002.
4. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING
4.1 The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 8 October 2002, at 12.30 pm, in Room 106.
The meeting adjourned at 1.17 pm.
THE LORD ALDERDICE
The Speaker