WEDNESDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2000 at 10.10am in Room 144 Parliament Buildings

Present: Mr P Doherty (Chairperson) Mr S Neeson (Deputy Chairperson) Ms P Lewsley Ms J Morrice Mr D McClarty Dr A McDonnell Dr D O'Hagan

Apologies: Mr A Attwood Mr W Clyde

In attendance: Mrs C White Mr J Nesbitt Mr D Donaldson Miss J Presho

Witnesses: Mr B Irwin ) Mr A Hempton ) Mr P Rothwell ) Northern Ireland Bakery Council Mr A Stephens )

The meeting opened, in public, at 10.10am

1. Chairperson's business

1.1 There was no Chairperson's business.

2. Minutes of last meeting

2.1 The minutes of the last meeting were agreed.

3. Matters arising 

3.1 Programme of work - a draft programme of work covering the next month was handed out to members.

Agreed - that the Committee should meet on 27 November and possibly 28 November in the Stormont hotel to discuss the Strategy 2010 report.

Agreed - that the Committee should meet on 15 November and possibly 20 or 21 November to discuss restructuring of the DETI agencies.

4. Presentation at 10.30am from the NI Bakery Council

4.1 The Committee heard evidence from the NI Bakery Council on the difficulties facing the bakery industry following the arrival of the GB multiples in NI and the subsequent reduction in prices. The Committee pledged to give its full support to the bakery industry.

Dr McDonnell joined the meeting at 10.45am

Agreed - that a Press Release should be issued, that a letter should be issued to the Minister and that a letter should be issued to the Minister for DTI.

Ms Lewsley left the meeting at 11.30am

Dr McDonnell left the meeting at 11.35am

5. Budget proposals 2000/01

5.1 The draft report to the Finance and Personnel Committee was considered. One amendment was proposed and agreed.

Agreed - the draft report to the Finance and Personnel Committee, as amended.

6. Programme for Government

6.1 Agreed - that draft notes on the Programme for Government should be prepared by the Committee Clerk and issued to members by Friday 10 November for approval.

The meeting closed at 12.10pm

Mr P Doherty (Chairperson)