Agenda and minutes

The Llywydd welcomed Members to the meeting.

The Minutes of the previous meeting were agreed for publication.

The Trefnydd drew Business Committee’s attention to the following change:

Tuesday

• Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on Covid-19 – Withdrawn
• Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (30 mins)

• Voting time will take place as the last item of business.
• Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.00pm

Wednesday 

Business Committee noted that the Conservative group intends to change its member on the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee from Peter Fox to James Evans. The Llywydd therefore drew Business Committee’s attention to the following addition to the agenda for tomorrow’s meeting: 

• Motion to elect a Member to a committee (5 mins) 

• Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.
• Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.40pm. 

The Llywydd reminded Business Committee of her intentions regarding speaking time allocations for Members during tomorrow’s 120 minute debate on the report of the Special Purpose Committee on Senedd Reform.

Face coverings

Business Committee received an update on the position regarding the wearing of face-coverings on the estate. As the wearing of face coverings is now no longer required whilst moving around the building, though building users are encouraged to continue to do so in higher risk situations, the Committee agreed that the use of face coverings in the Siambr would now be a matter of individual choice for Members. It was agreed that a general update on the use of face coverings on the Estate would be circulated to Members.

There are no changes to the three week timetable of Government business. The Trefnydd highlighted that debates and voting time have been scheduled before ministerial statements on 28 June due to a constitutional lecture taking place that evening, to which all Members will be invited.

Business Committee agreed to schedule the following items of business:

Wednesday 29 June 2022 –

·         Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee Chair’s Statement: Welsh Government Consolidated Accounts 2020/21 (30 mins)

·         Debate on the Health and Social Care Committee report: Waiting well? The impact of the waiting times backlog on people in Wales (60 mins)

·         Debate on petition P-06-1277: Save A&E. Withybush General Hospital must retain 24 hour, 7 days a week, Consultant Led urgent care (30 mins)

·         Time allocated to the Welsh Conservatives (60 mins)

Business Committee received an update on current LCMs and agreed to:

• refer the LCM on the Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee with a reporting deadline of 29 September 2022.  The ETRA and PAPA Committees would be encouraged to discuss between them which Committee would take the lead on this scrutiny from a policy perspective;
• refer the LCM on the UK Infrastructure Bank Bill to the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, the Finance Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee with a reporting deadline of 29 September 2022. The CCEI, ETRA and Finance Committees would be encouraged to discuss between them which Committee would take the lead on this scrutiny from a policy perspective;
• note the position and letters received in relation to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill and the Procurement Bill, and to await a further update at a future meeting.

The Committee noted the letter.

The Committee noted the letter.

Business Committee agreed the Petitions Committee’s request for a debate on petition P-06-1277 Save A&E. Withybush General Hospital must retain 24 hour, 7 days a week, Consultant Led urgent care, to be scheduled on 29 June.

The Llywydd asked Business Managers to remind their Members that they have until close of play on Thursday 9 June to provide a response to the survey which forms part of Business Committee’s review of Standing Order 34 and remote participation in Senedd proceedings.

Darren Millar asked when the next Member Bill ballot will take place. The Llywydd indicated that she would shortly be considering advice and that it is her intention to hold another ballot at the earliest opportunity.