Parliamentary Scrutiny Flashcards
(20 cards)
What are the three main tools of parliamentary scrutiny?
Questions, Debates, and Committees.
What is the purpose of parliamentary questions?
To scrutinise ministers and hold the government to account.
When and for how long is Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) held?
Every Wednesday for 30 minutes.
What is the function of ministerial question time?
Ministers appear every 5 weeks for targeted scrutiny of departmental actions.
What are urgent questions?
Questions approved at the Speaker’s discretion that are answered the same day.
What are the two types of written questions?
Ordinary questions (answered in 5–10 days) and Named Day questions (answered in 3 sitting days).
What is the core function of parliamentary debates?
To discuss motions and conduct legislative business.
How often has the government been defeated in the Commons vs. Lords (1997–2015)?
Commons: 13 times. Lords: Over 600 times.
What is the role of Commons departmental select committees?
To scrutinise departments and hold them to account using cross-party MPs.
Name three key functions of select committees (Liaison Committee 2012).
Scrutinise strategy, policy, and expenditure/performance.
What is the structure of Commons departmental committees?
11–16 backbench MPs; chairs elected by secret ballot.
What are three key types of non-departmental committees in the Commons?
Public Accounts, Women & Equalities, Public Administration & Constitutional Affairs.
Name three key House of Lords committees.
Constitution Committee, Delegated Powers, Science & Technology.
Give two examples of joint committees.
Human Rights Committee, National Security Committee.
What are committees not allowed to do?
Introduce legislation or bind the government with recommendations.
What powers do committees have under Erskine May?
Request papers, invite witnesses, appoint advisers, meet off-site, exchange info.
Who can committees not compel to attend or provide evidence?
Ministers, MPs, and foreign nationals (outside the UK).
What makes committees increasingly effective?
Influence on policy, spotlighting issues, gathering evidence, and causing government concern.
Name two constitutionally significant committees.
Delegated Powers Committee and Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR).
What did the Health Select Committee achieve with the Health Act 2006?
Used medical evidence and follow-up to push for and secure a ban on indoor smoking in England.
