Committees Flashcards
NAME the 5/6 main committees in the UK parliament
- select committee
- public bill committee
- liaison committee
- standards & privileges committee
- backbench business committee
- public accounts committee
Are select committees permanent or ad hoc?
Permanent
How many MPs typically make up a select committee?
11-14
How are members elected to be in a select committee?
Elected by backbenchers from their own party in a secret ballot
How many select committees are there currently?
26
What do select committees do?
They mirror a government department, for example there is a select committee on health. They investigate the work, policy etc of the department and produce reports with recommendations
Are all MPs in a select committee from the same political party?
No it is cross party but it is split in proportion to party strength. Thus, labour will have more seats right now.
Do the government have to respone to select committee reports? What must their response be?
Must respond within 60 days, but don’t have to accept / implement recommendations
What percentage of all select committee recommendations are accepted by government?
40% on average
Who can select committees call in front of them?
Can call anyone in front of the committee as they can choose any topic to investigate. ( relevant to their department)
Are the members of the select committee usually specialists in the area?
Yes
What changes did the 2010 Wright Reforms bring to select committees?
- chair of select committees elected by backbenchers in secret ballot (previously selected by whips)
- members elected by backbenchers of own party in secret ballot
Give a criticism / weakness of select committees
- no ability to enforce recommendations
- can’t force witnesses to attend
