Agenda and minutes

Rhodri Glyn Thomas was substituting for Jocelyn Davies, who sent her apologies.

The minutes were noted by the Committee for publication.

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business.  On Wednesday, the Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

The Committee noted the 3 Week Timetable of Government Business.

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

Wednesday 28 March 2012

·         Debate on the Enterprise and Business Committee's report on the Regeneration of Town Centres (60 mins)

The Committee determined the organisation of Assembly Business.

The Business Committee considered whether to establish a committee with responsibility for the scrutiny of the First Minister.  Business Managers requested a paper from the secretariat before the Easter recess setting out options for the committee’s remit, size and proposed meeting slots. The matter will then be given further consideration during the 12 month review of the committee structure next term.

The Business Committee considered a paper setting out the conventions that were in place for the operation of legislation committees of the Third Assembly. 

Business Managers agreed revised conventions that should apply in the Fourth Assembly, now that Bills are scrutinised instead by the relevant subject committee.  The secretariat will prepare a draft report on the revised conventions for the Business Committee’s approval next week.

The Business Committee noted the two Consent Memorandums laid in respect of Orders under the Public Bodies Act 2011 and the deadlines for committee consideration.  The secretariat agreed to inform Business Managers if the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee decides to invite other committees to scrutinise Orders.

The Business Committee discussed the possibility of industrial action on Wednesday 28 March 2012.  The secretariat will prepare a paper for next week’s Business Committee meeting setting out options in the event of PCS industrial action.