Working methods of the Consultative Assembly

Resolution 62 (1954)

Author(s):

Parliamentary Assembly

Origin

(see Docs. 264Docs. 264 and 264 Supplement, Reports of the Committee on General Affairs). This Resolution was adopted by the Assembly at its 29th Sitting, on 24th September, 1954

The Assembly,

Desirous that its activity shall be rendered as flexible and effective as possible,

1. Adopts the following principles governing the right of initiative of Representatives, the fixing of the agenda and supervision of the implementation of Assembly Recommendations and Resolutions :

a to induce Representatives by abolition of the documents bearing the title "requests for inclusion in the agenda", to lay upon the table only "motions for a Resolution, Recommendation or Order", with a given number of signatures and adopting a definite attitude on the substance of the question concerned, the Assembly's decision to refer them to a Committee being taken by a two-thirds majority ;

b to stipulate that a restricted agenda be prepared for each part-Session whenever possible at least six weeks in advance ;

c to instruct the Committees of the Assembly to place on the Agenda of each of their meetings the item : "Action taken on Recommendations within the terms of reference of the Committee", such supervisory functions ceasing only when each matter has been finally dealt with ;

2. Considers it desirable, in order that the work of the Assembly and its Committees may be brought to the direct knowledge of public opinion in the member countries, that, during the period between Sessions, Committees should meet in cities other than Strasbourg ; and

2.1 requests members of Committees to make the most of such meetings by publicising the activities of the Council at press conferences, lectures, etc., arranged by local authorities and organisations through the medium of the Secretariat-General ;

2.2 instructs the Committee on Budgetary Affairs and Administration to prepare a report on the financial implications of this decision ;

3. Instructs the Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges to examine what alterations to the Rules of Procedure are necessary to implement the principles laid down in the above Resolution and the Resolution on relations between the Consultative Assembly and national Parliaments.