MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE THIRTY-THIRD MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS AND PRIVILEGES IN ROOM 135, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS ON TUESDAY 21 MAY 2002

Present: Mr D McClelland
Dr I Adamson
Mr P Berry
Mr A Doherty
Sir J Gorman
Mr P McNamee
Dr D O'Hagan
Mr J Wells

Apologies: Mr D Hussey
Mr K McCarthy

In Attendance: Mrs M Miskelly
Mrs J McMurray
Mrs L Stevenson

The Committee met at 10.01 a.m. in private session.

1. Chairman's Introduction

The Chairman welcomed members to the thirty-third meeting of the Committee.

2. Apologies

Apologies were received from Mr D Hussey and Mr K McCarthy.

3. Declaration of Interests

The Chairman reminded members of their obligation to declare any relevant financial or other interests before and during each committee meeting.

4. Minutes of proceedings of the meeting of 14 May 2002

The Committee adopted the minutes of proceedings of the meeting of 14th May 2002. (Proposed: Mr P McNamee: Seconded: Mr A Doherty).

Dr I Adamson joined the meeting at 10.03 a.m.

5. Matters arising from the minutes

Legislation - Committee Bill

Members noted that there have been no responses to the consultation advertisement placed by the Committee in the local press inviting written memoranda on the Committee's intention to introduce primary legislation.

6. Committee Inquiry/Review of "The Code of Conduct" and "The Guide to
the Rules relating to the Conduct of Members"

The Committee noted a revised draft of the section entitled "The Procedure for Complaints" for its review of "The Guide to the Rules Relating to the Conduct of Members".

Dr D O'Hagan joined the meeting at 10.07 a.m.
Sir J Gorman joined the meeting at 10.09 a.m.

The Chairman invited the Clerk to address the Committee regarding recommendations and guidelines contained in the Ninth Report issued by the House of Commons Committee on Standards and Privileges which recommends a New Code of Conduct and Guide to the Rules.

The Committee considered the recommendations made by the House of Commons Committee on proposed changes to the guidance relating to the Registration of Members' Interests, Category 9 - Shareholdings. Members agreed to recommend the changes agreed at their initial consideration of this matter.

Members considered the Commons Committee's proposals regarding a "Rectification Procedure" and agreed that this should be taken forward and included in the procedures for complaints.

The Committee instructed the Clerk to seek further information on the House of Commons Committee's proposed changes on the application of the advocacy rule.

The Committee agreed to return to the issues of delegations and sponsorship at a future meeting.

Mr J Wells left the meeting at 10.30 a.m.

7. Any other business

The Committee noted a letter of reply from the Clerk to a Member relating to comments regarding a complaint.

8. Date and Time of Next Meeting

The Committee agreed to meet on Tuesday 28 May 2002 at 10.00 a.m. in Room 135, Parliament Buildings.

The meeting concluded at 10.30 a.m.

Mr Donovan McClelland MLA
Chairman

14 May 2002 / Menu / 28 May 2002