Tag Archives: Select committees

Delivering the evidence

Lord Norton 17/08/2008 – 10:11 am

Select committees spend most of their time taking evidence, mostly oral evidence in public session, though a good deal of time is taken up reading written submissions.   When a committee decides on an inquiry, it puts out a call for evidence and anyone wishing to submit evidence is free to do so.  This may produce a few submission or a great many.  The evidence is normally published and, if e […]

Committees in action

Lord Norton 12/08/2008 – 4:37 pm

Although Parliament has risen for the recess, reports from select committees continue to be published.  Indeed, what has been remarkable so far has been the number published and the publicity they have received.   Although we are now in the quiet season (more commonly known as the silly season), the extent of media coverage has been notable.  Since both Houses rose on 22 July, no less tha […]

The impact of committees

Lord Norton 28/05/2008 – 2:36 pm

Talking of attracting media attention brings me on to a related issue: the impact of select committees.  There has been a significant growth in the number of committees in the Lords in recent years.  They produce substantial and well-researched reports.  However, one query that variously arises (as it does with committees in the Commons) is: what impact do they have?  Measured in terms of c […]