Select Committees

Select committees operate in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, examining various aspects like government departments and economic affairs.

Key Functions

• Conduct inquiries on specific topics, with outcomes being public.
• Engage with the public through various methods, such as events and surveys.
• Hold discussions and visit relevant sites.

Differences Between the Two Houses

• House of Commons: Focuses on examining government departments across a parliament.
• House of Lords: Has 'permanent' committees for broad areas and special inquiry committees for specific issues within a year.

Commons Select Committees

• Each government department has a corresponding committee examining spending, policies, and administration.
• Committees consist of up to 11 members who gather evidence, report findings, and expect government responses within 60 days.
• Some committees like Public Accounts and Environmental Audit can cross departmental boundaries.
• Specialist advisers can be appointed for inquiries.
• Chairs of select committees are elected by MPs.
• A Backbench Business Committee exists for non-government business scheduling.

What Are Select Committees?

• Vital for scrutinizing government work.
• Cover various topics, inviting public input and potential witnesses from various sectors.
• Aim to improve government policies based on real-world feedback.
• Reports and recommendations are made to the government, which must respond publicly.
• Committees have Chairs who coordinate members from different parties.

Pre-Appointment Hearings

• Allow committees to assess candidates for significant public posts before appointment.
• Hearings are public, report on candidates' suitability, and are non-binding.

Lords Select Committees

• Focus on specialist subjects rather than shadowing government departments.
• Utilize Lords' expertise and time for in-depth examination.
• Permanent committees cover broad areas like Built Environment and Economic Affairs.
• Special Inquiry Committees investigate specific issues annually.

Government Responses

• Government responds to committee reports, sometimes publishing as Command Papers.
• Typically replies within two months, but may extend with committee's consent.
• Responses may involve multiple sources if external bodies are affected.
• Public Accounts Committee responses are published as Treasury Minutes.