PUBLIC LAW L4 - Responsible Government - PARLIAMENTARY SCRUTINY Flashcards
Why are parliamentary select committees needed? (1)
To provide a formal mechanism for scrutiny of government action by the legislature.
What are the two types of committee? (2)
Select committees - have longer-term membership and scrutinise governmental activities and polices
Legislative committees - scrutinise individual pieces of proposed legislation.
Where do select committees operate and what do they scrutinise? (2)
House of Commons - broader thematic scrutiny of six main areas: Europe, scienc e& technology, economics, communication, UK constitution and international relations.
House of Lords - scrutinise government departments
When would advice on a technical point of a bill be given? (1)
At the committee stage as this is when the bill is examined in detail by select committees.
Who are parliamentary select committees composed of? (2)
MPs and / or Lords from any political party, known as cross-party.
How long does the government have to reply to any select committee report? (1)
Within 60 days of the reports publication.
Who have select committees questioned in recent years? (1)
Prominent business leader such as Facebook and Sports Direct.
Who can select committees require to appear before them to answer questions and what powers do they have? (2)
Any civil servant and private individuals. They can call evidence and summon witnesses.
How many joint select committees are there and what are they? (5)
Four with members from both houses. Joint Committee on human rights.
Joint Committee for National security strategy.
Joint committee on statutory instruments.
Joint committee on consolidation bills.
When may select committees issue a summons? (2)
If a witness is summoned and does not attend and if this summon if ignored a warrant may be issued.
