§ Thursday, 4 March 2004.
§ The Committee met at a quarter past three of the clock.
§ [The DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (Lord Carter) in the Chair.]
§ The Deputy Chairman of Committees (Lord Carter)Before the Minister moves that the first order be considered, it may be helpful to say a word about the procedure for today's Grand Committee. Our proceedings are essentially the same as those of the House—noble Lords will speak standing, all noble Lords are free to attend and participate and the proceedings will be reported in Hansard. As we are in Committee, Members may speak more than once on any Motion.
As this is a relatively new procedure, I should perhaps make it clear that the Committee is charged only to consider orders, not to approve or disapprove them. The Motion to approve will be moved in the Chamber in the usual way.
There are no Divisions in Grand Committee, and any Motion on which agreement cannot be reached should be withdrawn. If there is a Division in the Chamber while we are sitting, the Committee will adjourn as soon as the Division bells are rung and resume after 10 minutes.
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cc317-34GC
- Budget (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 9,141 words cc334-44GC
- Rates (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 4,973 words