Commission on the Scrutiny Role of Parliament

With the help of a Foundation grant the Hansard Society has established a new Commission to examine how effectively Parliament scrutinises and holds government to account. The Commission is seeking evidence from individuals and organisations on how effectively Parliament operates and how it could be reformed. The Commission's final report will be published in Spring 2001.

The Hansard Society has established a new Commission, chaired by Lord Newton of Braintree, to examine how effectively Parliament scrutinises the work of government and holds the executive to account for its actions. The Commission will conduct an over-arching review of Westminster's scrutiny role paying particular attention to the role of the chamber, the role of the select committees and financial accountability. The investigation will concentrate primarily on the House of Commons but will also take into account the role of the House of Lords and the impact of possible reforms to the second chamber.

Its final report, due to be published in the spring of 2001, will establish a set of core principles for the scrutiny of the executive. It will highlight examples of good practice and, where necessary, recommend changes to ensure effective parliamentary scrutiny of government.

The Commission has issued a consultation papers and invites written submissions. Full details of the issues being investigated are contained in the consultation paper, but the following questions set out the range of the Commission's inquiry:

   * What is the purpose of parliamentary scrutiny?

   * How effective is parliamentary scrutiny? How could it be improved?

   * How effective are select committees in holding government to account?

   * Are parliamentary questions an effective form of scrutiny?

   * Is there adequate scrutiny of government spending?

   * What is the role of the House of Lords in scrutinising government?

   * What is the impact of devolution on government accountability?

   * How can individuals and organisations outside Parliament be better involved in the scrutiny process?

Further information can be obtained from Commission on the Scrutiny Role of Parliament, Hansard Society, 14 Great College Street, London SW1P 3RX. Submissions can be posted to the above address or e-mailed to the Commission.

The Commission's consultation paper can also be downloaded from the Hansard Society website. The closing date for submissions is 14 April 2000.