PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE TO ADVISE THE PRESIDING OFFICER

TUESDAY 23 MARCH 1999 AT 3.00 PM

IN ROOM 21, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Present:

The Initial Presiding Officer

Mr B Bell (representing Mr J Wilson)

Mr I Davis

Mr M Durkan

Mr D Ford

Mr B Hutchinson

Mr A Maskey

Mr R McCartney QC MP

Dr A McDonnell (representing Mr E McGrady MP)

Mr M Morrow

Mr P Robinson MP

Mr D Watson

Mr C Wilson

Mr M Barnes

Mrs G Campbell

J Reynolds

Mr N Johnston

Miss A Moore

The Initial Presiding Officer reported that he had met with the Secretary of State to clarify the length of notice she would give before calling the next meeting of the Assembly. The Initial Presiding Officer was unable to get anything definitive, although it was clear that the Secretary of State wanted to avoid giving short notice if that were possible.

The following were discussed:

• the implications of a direction from the Secretary of State to call a meeting at short notice;
• the rules governing the notice and proposal for a motion for exclusion under Initial Standing Order 24;
• the rules governing speaking times in the event of a motion for exclusion;
• the implications of a Member withdrawing their name from a Motion;
• the position of the UKUP.

The Initial Presiding Officer undertook to consider further these issues.

1. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The Initial Presiding Officer said he would only call a meeting of CAPO before or during the next plenary meeting if it became apparent that there were matters on which he wished to seek the guidance of CAPO.