Agenda and minutes

The minutes for the meeting were agreed by the Committee for publication.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education will be making a statement on the Diamond Review of Higher Education and Student Finance Arrangements in Wales on Tuesday.

A motion to amend Standing Order 26 in relation to Member Bills will be taken after 90 Second Statements on Wednesday.

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

Business Committee noted the 3 Week Timetable of Government Business.

Business Committee determined the organisation of Assembly business and agreed to schedule the following items of business:

Wednesday 14 December 2016 –

·      90 Second Statements (5 mins)

·      Time allocated to Plaid Cymru (120 mins)

·      Time allocated to the Welsh Conservatives (60 mins)

·      Short Debate - Bethan Jenkins (South Wales West) (30 mins)

Business Managers agreed in principle to refer the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Bill to the Children, Young People and Education Committee (CYPE) for Stage 1 consideration.

Business Managers agreed to defer a decision on the Bill’s timetable until a future meeting to allow for consultation with the CYPE Committee.

Business Committee considered a paper from the government regarding a LCM in relation to the Wales Bill.

Business Managers agreed to refer the LCM to the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee for scrutiny. The Business Committee also agreed that the Committee should report on the LCM by Thursday 12 January 2017.

The government also notified Business Managers that a supplementary LCM may arise following amendments being made to the Bill.

Business Committee considered a paper from the government regarding a LCM in relation to the Health Service Medical Supplies (Costs) Bill.

Business Managers agreed to refer the LCM to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee for scrutiny. The Business Committee also agreed that the Committee should report on the LCM by Thursday 12 January 2017 to allow the Legislative Consent Motion to be debated in Plenary on Tuesday 17 January 2017.

Business Committee considered a paper from the government regarding a LCM in relation to the Higher Education and Research Bill.

Business Managers agreed to refer the LCM to the Children, Young People and Education Committee for scrutiny.

The Business Committee also agreed that the Committee should report on the LCM by Thursday 12 January 2017 to allow the Legislative Consent Motion to be debated in Plenary on Tuesday 17 January 2017.

Business Managers considered draft guidance to be issued to Members prior to the introduction of a new procedure for debating proposed Member legislation in Plenary.

The Committee discussed the draft and agreed changes to be made. The Clerk agreed to circulate a revised draft by email for agreement.

Business Committee considered a paper on Groups and Representation on Business Committee.

The Committee agreed to rule out Option 1, and to write to the 3 Members that did not belong to a Group to seek their views on other possible options.