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statements which, though not strictly classified, would self- evidently be counter to the public interest if published. Officials giving evidence are advised to introduce some caveat ("I fear what follows may be somewhat sensitive
or a suitable variant) before launching upon a sensitive subject. This is a useful device in that it makes subsequent requests for sidelining somehat easier to sustain. "Requests" is the operative word here; one cannot demand. However, Committees are normally co-operative, provided the reasons are given and provided these reasons are good ones.
6. The best advice one can give to anyone giving oral evidence to a Select Committee is to (seem to) be as frank and co-operative as possible. Normally Committees will start to harry witnesses only if the latter seem not to know their facts, if they seem to be evasive, or if they seem not to appreciate the Committee's very considerable powers.
Select Committee on Expenditure
7.
The Select Committee on Expenditure (SCOE) came into being in 1970 replacing and expanding the scope of the Select Committee on Estimates. SCOE's terms of reference are:-
8.
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to consider any papers on public expenditure presented to the House and such of the estimates as may seem fit to the committee and in particular to ansider how, if at all, the policies implied in the figures of expenditure and in the estimates may be carried out more economically, and to examine the Brm of the papers and of the estimates presented to the House".
The SCOE set up several functional sub-committees: the Defence and External Affairs Sub-Committee (DEASC) takes a wide interpretation of SCOE's terms of reference and has maintained a close interest in the policies and operational/administrative considerations which lie behind figures for Defence expenditure. The DEASC is empowered by the House to send for persons and papers and it summons departmental officials and other witnesses and asks departments to submit memoranda. Oral evidence given before the Sub-Committee by departmental witnesses is recorded verbatim by one of the official shorthand writers to the House.
9.
The DEASC is the abject of special arrangements whereby it may receive classified information up to and including SECRET. The Sub-Committee's reports to the House are published but there are arrangements for screening out of them any classified material: (the "
"sidelining" procedure see paragraph 5 above).
10.
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The general practice of the DEASC in taking evidence is first to consider written memoranda, then to take oral evidence on questions arising (which may lead to requests for further notes) and then to publish a report making recommendations on action to be taken by appropriate Departments. The report is supported by a "sidelined" version of all the evidence submitted. In overseas
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