Agenda and minutes

The minutes were noted by the Committee for publication, subject to minor amendments.

Business Managers noted the following additional item on Tuesday:

·         Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: The evidence underpinning the case for reconfiguring the NHS in Wales (30 mins)

Business Managers noted that Voting Time on Tuesday and Wednesday would take place before the Short Debate.

The Leader of the House agreed to consider a request from Business Managers for a Government debate on the Marine Conservation Zone.

The Committee noted the 3 Week Timetable of Government Business.

The Business Committee agreed to schedule the following item of business:

Wednesday 3 October 2012

·         Stage 3 Standing Order 26.44 debate on the National Assembly for Wales (Official Languages) Bill (60 mins)

In accordance with Standing Order 26.36, amendments will be disposed of in the order which the sections and schedules to which they relate, arise in the Bill.

At the conclusion of Stage 3 the Commissioner may propose that the Bill be passed in accordance with Standing Order 26.47. If the proposition is agreed:

Stage 4 Standing Order 26.47 motion to approve the National Assembly for Wales (Official Languages) Bill.

The Committee determined the organisation of Assembly Business.

The Business Committee noted the important role of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and considered options to change the committee timetable in order to accommodate additional time for PAC to meet.  Business Managers requested further information from the secretariat in relation to option 8 (regular use of Monday for committee meetings) for discussion at next week’s meeting.

The Business Committee considered a letter from the Chair of the Finance Committee suggesting that the deadline for the Finance Committee to report on the draft budget should be 13 November rather than 6 November.  Business Managers agreed an alternative date of Thursday 8 November, to allow the Committee additional time after the half term recess to sign-off their report.

The Business Committee agreed in principle to a request from the Enterprise and Business Committee to visit the European Parliament and other offices in Brussels. Business Managers invited the Enterprise and Business Committee to reconsider the dates for the visit given that it now coincides with the rescheduled Stage 3 Debate on the Official Languages Bill (3 October).

The Business Committee approved the proposed tabling arrangements for Legislation and Chamber Services during the summer recess period.

The Leader of the House advised Business Managers that papers on Legislative Consent Motions for the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill and the Disabled Persons’ Parking Badges Bill would be submitted for the committee’s consideration on Tuesday 17 July.

William Graham wished to record his thanks to the Table Office for the consistent and constructive advice the officials provided his office in relation to the tabling of business.