Effectiveness of Controls on DL

Question 1

Scrutiny

Answer 1

Amount of DL means not all of it can be given proper scrutiny

Question 2

Technicality

Answer 2

Those scrutinising DL may lack knowledge/expertise in the particular field

Question 3

Scrutiny committees

Answer 3

Can only make recommendations to Parliament who may choose not to act on them

Question 4

Affirmative resolution procedure

Answer 4

Draws Parliament’s attention to DL but rarely stops it being passed

Question 5

Negative resolution procedure

Answer 5

Rely on other MPs and Lords investigating the proposed legislation to say whether it should be opposed (may not have time)

Question 6

Questioning of ministers

Answer 6

Useful to draw Parliament’s attention to unsatisfactory law, relies on MPs raising questions on behalf of those concerned

Question 7

Judicial review

Answer 7

Important check on use of DL, however limitations include: must have standing, and public body/government department may have greater resources/funding to defend