Work of committees

Question 1

Proposing Bills

Answer 1

Committees can also suggest bills to Parliament. This is known as a committee bill. If there is enough support for a committee bill in Parliament, it can be passed and become an act of law.

For example, The Interests of Members of the Scottish Parliament (Amendment) Bill was introduced on 27 May 2015

Question 2

Gathering Evidence

Answer 2

Most of the work of committees is gathering and recording evidence in order to scrutinise the work of government to amend laws. This is effective as it ensures that the laws being introduced effectively tackle the issues at hand.

For example, prior to the introduction of the Smoking ban in 2006 the work of the committee involved monitoring smoking outside of hospitals and other public spaces.

Question 3

Question Ministers

Answer 3

Committees have the power to check the work of the executive by asking Scottish ministers about legislation their government department has proposed to introduce. This is effective as committees can ask for clarification on a bill or policy and can even ask for evidence on why the bill is necessary.

For example, Drugs Policy Minister Angela Constance was questioned by the Criminal Justice and Health committees on her idea of drug consumption rooms in Glasgow as part of the Proposed Drugs Prevention (Scotland) Bill.