PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE TO ADVISE THE PRESIDING OFFICER

MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 1998 AT 6.00 PM

IN ROOM 152, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Present:

Lord Alderdice (Initial Presiding Officer)

Mr R Beggs (representing Mr I Davis)

Mr D Ford

Mr B Hutchinson

Mr A Maskey

Mr E McGrady MP

Prof M McWilliams

Mr M Morrow

Mr P Robinson MP

Mr D Watson

Mr C Wilson

Mr J Wilson

Mr N Carson

Mrs G Campbell

Miss A Moore

Mr N Johnston

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed.

2. MATTERS ARISING

Christmas Cards: Samples of the notelet card and Christmas cards were circulated. The Initial Presiding Officer reported on the prices of each and said that he is looking at ways of reducing the cost of the two cards with the emblem.

Adjournment Debates: The Initial Presiding Officer said that he would prepare an update to let relevant parties know which of their members have not yet made a substantive contribution to a debate and are therefore eligible for the adjournment debates. The matter of adjournment debates will be reviewed after all members have made their maiden speech.

Mr P Robinson suggested that the convention that a member should not be interrupted during a maiden speech should be applied in the Assembly. Agreed.

3. ALL-PARTY ASSEMBLY INTEREST GROUPS

The matter will be discussed at the next meeting.

4. FUTURE PLENARY MEETINGS

The Initial Presiding Officer reported that he has had no indication of business which would necessitate another plenary meeting of the Assembly. The next meeting will therefore be at the call of the Chair.

5. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Headed Paper: The Initial Presiding Officer noted that some members are using Assembly headed paper for notes in the Chamber. He pointed out that this is not cost effective and that he would arrange for plain paper to be available at the lobby desk for anyone requiring notepaper. A note to this effect will be placed in All Party Notices.

Assembly Chamber: Mr C Wilson raised the matter of members bringing drinks into the Chamber. Mr P Robinson suggested it might be appropriate to provide members with glasses and water. The Initial Presiding Officer said he would look into the matter.

Comprehensive Spending Review: Mr C Wilson asked if there was any way of making a formal response to Mr Murphy's presentation on the Comprehensive Spending Review. He was concerned that the Minister might at some future point say that he had consulted with the Assembly, when this had not been the case. The Initial Presiding Officer said that the Minister had accepted there was a misunderstanding over the manner in which he was attending the plenary meeting.

Mr P Robinson suggested that the Assembly should take seriously the question raised by Mr McGrady regarding the potential sell off of the Belfast Port. After discussion it was agreed the Initial Presiding Officer should write to Mr Murphy to thank him for his attendance, to draw attention to the potential confusion over the nature of his visit and to reflect the concern expressed on a number of matters, particularly the proposed Belfast Port sale, and indicate that this is an area to which members might wish to return. It was further agreed that the sell off of the Belfast Port was an issue which Party Whips might wish to take forward.

Report by the Ad Hoc Committee on the Procedural Consequences of Devolution: Mr P Robinson asked how the Report by the Ad Hoc Committee on the Procedural Consequences of Devolution will be conveyed to the House of Commons. The Initial Presiding Officer noted that there is as yet no agreed mechanism for sending messages between elected bodies. Mr McGrady suggested, in this instance, it might be appropriate to send the Report to the Speaker of the House of Commons.

Lisburn Security: Mr B Hutchinson enquired as to the position with Lisburn Security services within Parliament Buildings. The Initial Presiding Officer reported that Lisburn Security has a contract with the Government Purchasing Agency whereby their services can be called upon when required. The Assembly is moving to a position where there will be sufficient trained doorkeepers to handle most working days, therefore Lisburn Security will no longer, in general, be required. On busy days (eg, plenary meetings, high profile visits,) Lisburn Security may still be used.

6. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be at the call of the Chair.