Minutes

Apologies were received by Virginia Hawkins, Acting Head of Assembly Committees.

The minutes were noted by the Committee for publication.

The Business Committee noted that the statement by the Minister for Education and Skills on the Future direction of the Regulation and Qualifications in Wales has been withdrawn on Tuesday and that the debate on the Annual Budget will be taken as the last item of business.

Business Managers agreed the request to postpone the Short Debate on Wednesday. The Business Committee reiterated that requests to postpone items of business should not appear on the This Week’s Business paper unless at Business Managers’ request.

The Business Committee also agreed the proposal under Standing Order 12.24 to debate the draft Council Tax Reduction Scheme Regulations together but with separate votes. Business Managers noted the importance of post legislative scrutiny of the Regulations.

The Business Committee agreed that Voting would take place after the last item of business on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Committee noted the 3 Week Timetable of Government Business.

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

Tuesday 8 January 2013

·         Short Debate – Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central) (30 mins) – postponed from 21 November

Wednesday 23 January 2013

·         Debate on the Enterprise and Business Committee’s Inquiry into Apprenticeships in Wales (60 mins)

The Committee determined the organisation of business.

Following consultation with their groups, the Business Committee agreed to defer the discussion on reviewing Oral Assembly Questions to the additional meeting scheduled for 7 January 2013.

The Business Committee noted a paper form the Leader of the House providing an update on the progress of all UK Parliament Bills, including those in draft, announced in the 2012 Queen’s Speech.

The Business Committee agreed to extend the reporting deadlines for the Bill. Business Managers agreed a deadline of 22 March 2013 for Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee to report on the general principles of the Bill. Subject to the Bill being agreed at Stage 1, the Business Committee agreed that Stage 2 Committee proceedings should be completed by 24 May 2013.