Scrutiny Powers of the big filthy Parliament boys

Question 1

HoL Public Bill Committee

Answer 1

The Lords Public Bill Committee is the entire house.

• The 2017 Brexit Amendment challenged the government’s policy on the rights of EU nationals living in the UK.
• 2005 Terrorism Act: The House of Lords introduced several amendments, and would not back down for 30 hours until a compromise was reached.

Question 2

Select Committees

Answer 2

> Committees are small groups of members (usually 12 in total) who meet outside the chamber and are appointed to consider specific policy areas.

> Committees investigate public policy, proposed laws and government activity.

> See deck on Committees for more in depth look

Question 3

Ministerial statements

Answer 3

> When a major change of policy or a serious international situation or major blunders in the Department the Prime Minister or the appropriate Minister will make a statement and be questioned by MPs.

> Foreign Office Minister Peter Carrington resigned after questioning because it became clear the invasion of the Falklands by Argentina in 1982 had not been foreseen.

Question 4

PMQs/QT

Answer 4

> The Prime Minister on Wednesdays answers questions from the Leader of the Opposition and other MPs.
Departmental Ministers take it in turn over the weeks to answer questions from MPs on issues related to their Department.

> Valerie Vaz asks Michael Fallon a question about defense spending in relation to steel production, as her constituency Walsall South is a prime manufacturing region, in 2016.