Shadow Assembly Commission Minutes of Proceedings

2 November 1999

MINUTES OF THE THIRTY FIRST MEETING

TUESDAY 2 NOVEMBER 1999 AT 2.00 PM IN ROOM 135

Present: Initial Presiding Officer

Mrs E Bell

Mr R Coulter

Mr P Robinson MP

In the Chair: Initial Presiding Officer

In Attendance: Ms G Campbell, Mr T Evans, Mr G Cosgrave

Apologies: Mr J Fee, Mr F Molloy

1. Minutes of the 18 October meeting were accepted without change.

2. MATTERS ARISING

2.1 Crown Status

The Initial Presiding Officer informed Members that he had written to Mr Howarth confirming that the Commission is content for the draft Crown Immunity and Parliamentary Copyright Orders to go to proof.

2.2 Fire Precautions

The fire drill, scheduled for 22 October was cancelled to avoid any disruption to the talks process at Castle Buildings. An early test of the fire drill procedures will be arranged.

2.3 Membership of the Commission

The Initial Presiding Officer informed Members that he will be meeting the Joint Chairmen of the Standing Orders Committee on 3 November.

3. SOUND AND VISION CONTRACT

3.1 The Commission agreed a one month extension of the current Macmillan contract which is due to end on 6 January 2000. Mr Cosgrave tabled a paper setting out the arrangements for the assessment of tenders for the Sound and Vision contract.

4. FESTIVAL OF SPEED - AUGUST 2000

4.1 Mr Evans reported that the Stormont Residents, following a meeting with Alan Tyndall, were supportive of the Festival of Speed proposal. The Commission agreed in principle that the event could go ahead as long as the promoter provided assurances in relation to the planning of the event and the Stormont Residents are represented on the planning committee.

5. AIKEN PROPOSAL

5.1 The Commission turned down Jim Aiken's proposal to stage a Michael Flatley concert in the Stormont Estate in August 2000.

6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

6.1 The Commission agreed the proposal to allow poppies to be sold in Parliament Buildings mirroring last year's arrangement.

6.2 Mr Robinson submitted a number of House of Commons publications, copies of which will be made available to Commission Members.

The meeting ended at 3.15 pm when the Commission became inquorate.

7. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING

Friday 26 November at 10.00 am in room 135.

TOM EVANS