(a) to propose the Parliament’s programme of business;
(b) to propose alterations to the daily business list;
(c) to propose the establishment, remit, membership and duration of any committee or sub-committee; and
(d) to determine any question regarding the competence of a committee to deal with a matter and, to determine the lead committee in relation to any matter that falls within the competence of more than one committee.

Membership
Standing Orders state that the Parliamentary Bureau shall consist of the Presiding Officer, a representative from each political party which has five or more MSPs and a representative of any grouping of five or more members from parties with fewer than 5 MSPs or from no political party.

The current membership of the Parliamentary Bureau is:

Bruce Crawford MSP, Minister for Parliamentary Business (Scottish National Party)

Michael McMahon MSP (Scottish Labour)

David McLetchie MSP (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party)

Mike Rumbles MSP (Scottish Liberal Democrats)

Standing Orders allow Bureau members to arrange for another member to take their place at Bureau meetings by notifying the Presiding Officer in writing in advance.

Procedures
Under Standing Orders (Rule 5.3.2), the Bureau meets in private. The Bureau always seeks to reach decisions by consensus, but where a vote is required, members carry one vote for each member of the party or group that they represent. In the event of a tie, the Presiding Officer has a casting vote.

The Guidance for Members of the Parliamentary Bureau (74KB pdf) was agreed by the Parliamentary Bureau in November 2007.

Meetings
The Bureau normally meets weekly on a Tuesday afternoon. The agenda, papers and minutes for each meeting of the Bureau can be accessed below. (all documents in pdf)

Papers and agendas for meetings of the Parliamentary Bureau will be published, along with approved minutes, normally the week after the meeting takes place. Those papers containing information considered to be exempt under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 will not be published.

Papers and agendas for Session 2 can be accessed here.

Contact:
Jennifer Smart, Clerk
0131 348 5176
jennifer.smart@scottish.parliament.uk

(Calls via RNID Typetalk are welcome)