This section provides for the preparation of annual and special reports by the commission. We see the commission as having a valuable watchdog role and free to alert the Houses to any situation causing concern, even where the disclosure requirements of the Bill have been met. I will be introducing an amendment to this section on Report Stage to strengthen it and clarify that this is what is intended.
SECTION 26.
Question proposed: "That Section 26 stand part of the Bill."
The Minister refers to annual and special reports other than reports under section 23. What type of reports will they be? Will they concern all Members and others involved or will it only be a general report on the Act?
This section does not cover Members. The commission is obliged, for example, to make an annual report saying what it did throughout the year. It is a creature of the House set up under statute and it is only right that it should report back on its activities.
We also set up a mechanism under this section where the commission may undertake special reports when it feels that something requires investigation and it can report it back to the House.
Question put and agreed to.
It is proposed that we adjourn until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, 5 April and to recommence proceedings on section 27.
Is it intended to sit all day?
If necessary.
If it is envisaged that we complete Committee Stage next week, when will Report Stage be taken?
There may be amendments on Report Stage.
It is difficult to know how much more time will be required to complete Committee Stage as the Bill contains six Parts and two Schedules.
There are ten more amendments to be considered.
It is desirable that we should be able to survey the Bill sometime between Committee and Report Stages.
That is our main concern. Will the Minister allow two weeks from Wednesday, 5 April 1995 if Committee Stage is completed on that day?
If Committee Stage is completed on Wednesday, 5 April 1995, we will prepare Report Stage amendments. We are up to speed on what has been covered to date, but we will listen to the debate on the remaining sections and we may wish to address other issues on Report Stage. We will need some time, furthermore I am not yet aware of the arrangements for Easter.
Report Stage will be taken after Easter.
I thank the Minister and the Members for their attention.
The Select Committee adjourned at 6.2 p.m. until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, 5 April 1995.