Select Committees
There is a House of Commons select committee for each government department, examining
three aspects: spending, policies and administration. These departmental select committees
have a minimum of 11 members, who decide upon a line of inquiry and then gather written
and oral evidence. Findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the
Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee’s
recommendations.
Following the adoption by the House of Commons of recommendations from the Reform of
the House of Commons Committee:
- Departmental select committee chairs are elected by their fellow MPs
- A backbench business committee has been established with the ability to schedule business in the Commons chamber and in Westminster Hall on days, or parts of days, set aside for non-government business.
Legislative committees
Both Houses of Parliament refer legislation to committees for detailed discussion and
approval. These committees are part of the process of making laws. They scrutinise proposed
laws and may consider amendments to improve the legislation. Amendments approved in
legislative committees must be approved by the whole House.
Both Houses of Parliament refer legislation to committees for detailed discussion and
approval. These committees are part of the process of making laws. They scrutinise proposed
laws and may consider amendments to improve the legislation. Amendments approved in
legislative committees must be approved by the whole House.
Source: adapted from www.parliament.gov.uk, October, 2010.
