Assembly Business

– in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 8:30 pm on 22 November 2016.

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Photo of Robin Newton Robin Newton Speaker 8:30, 22 November 2016

Members, I want to address the point of order that was raised by Mr Jim Allister this morning. It was indeed an important point of order and indeed considerable time was spent researching the issue. I want to address it at this stage given the importance of the item in next week's business.

I wish to return to the point of order that was raised by Mr Allister this morning in relation to the legislative consent motion on the Policing and Crime Bill which is scheduled for debate on Monday. It appears to me that, in this instance, the UK Government have respected the convention that they will not legislate on a devolved matter except with the agreement of the Assembly.

I am content that the Committee for Justice has been given sufficient time to consider the new amendments as it took evidence from the Department and then produced its report within the time frame that is required by Standing Order 42A(8)(a). I recognise that Standing Orders do not provide for the exact circumstances that are presented by the amendments to the Bill, to which the Member has referred. This is an area that the Committee on Procedures may wish to consider in the future.

On the matter of the legislative consent motion memorandum's being tabled prior to the new amendments being made to the Bill, I am content that a similar approach has been taken on a range of motions.

In conclusion, I am content for the legislative consent motion on the Policing and Crime Bill to remain on the Order Paper for Monday 28 November. It will be for the Assembly to decide then whether it wishes to give its consent. Members will of course have an opportunity to set out their views on this question during the debate.

Photo of Jim Allister Jim Allister Traditional Unionist Voice

Further to my point of order, Mr Speaker. Thank you for that advice. I am bound by and do accept your ruling, Mr Speaker, but, at some appropriate point, I think that the House would benefit from some guidance in the light of that ruling as to what then Standing Order 42A(11)(a)(ii) actually means and what purpose it serves because it appears to say that, until the amendment has been made to the Bill that the legislative consent motion wishes to bring in, the memorandum cannot be laid. What is the meaning then of Standing Order 42A(11)(a)(ii)?

Photo of Robin Newton Robin Newton Speaker

Allow me a few moments to consult on the matter.

I thank the Member for that further point of order. As I said, I am content that it is in order for the motion to proceed, but I recognise that Standing Orders may need to be reviewed, as I said in my reply to you.

Motion made: That the Assembly do now adjourn. — [Mr Speaker.]