EXTRA-Role of the HOC Flashcards
What are the main functions of the HOC? (4)
- legislation
- controlling the raising and spending of public money
- scrutinising the Executive
- Representing the people
Who brings in public bills?
the relevant departmental minister
Who are private bills promoted by?
by organisations outside the House such as a local authority or company
What is a Private Members Bill a type of?
type of a public bill
What is a 10 minute bill?
this is where an MP speaks for 10 minutes outlining the purpose
What difficulties surround PMB? (3)
-lack of opportunities for their introduction, time or help from civil service
What is the most famous PMB?
Abortion Act 1967
What is a green paper?
a document laid before the HOC by ministers setting out options that may pursued in a given policy areas; it is a consultative paper
What is a white paper?
this is a document issued by ministers that sets out their proposals on a topic of current concern
How many departmental select committees are there?
19
What is the public Accounts committee?
the committee that examines the accounts, showing how money granted by parliament has been used in programmes involving public expenditure
What two committees mainly carry out the scrutinising role of the Commons?
- Departmental select committees
- Public Accounts Committee
What was the Westland affair? 1986
a highly contentious political issue that had to be handled by Thatcher government concerning the future ownership of the Westland helicopter company
How does the HOC recruit a government?
those seeking high office are often spotted by party whips and as a result of their success are chosen for advancement
