TNAG-1886-FCO40-2677-Overseas-visits-by-Sir-David-Wilson--Governor-of-Hong-Kong---1989 — Page 53

Powers of Select Committee

Preliminary

(a) This memorandum deals with the powers of Select Committees of the House of Commons, and principally with those of Select Committees which have been set up to monitor the work of government

departments.

(b) The memorandum discusses the powers of Select Committees vis a vis officials, ie Civil Servants. However, it should be noted that, in addition to examining the expenditure, administration and policy of government departments and associated bodies, Select Committees are free to seek evidence from whomsoever they please, and are entitled to require the production of papers by private bodies or individuals, if that is necessary for the work of the Committee.

The authorities referred to are:

Erskine May: "Parliamentary Practice", 20th Ed (1983) Roberts Wray: "Commonwealth and Colonial Law (1966)

1. Background

Select Committees had their origins in the committees set up by Parliament in the 19th Century to investigate social and administrative problems. Their influence and powers have waxed and waned over the years, but their modern history, and the growth in their influence and importance, can be traced to a 1978 Report by the Select Committee on Procedure which recommended a complete reorganisation of the Select Committee system.

There are now several types of Select Committee.

They

2.

include:-

(1) Select Committees for considering public Acts or making a detailed study of a particular topic before preparation of legislation;

(2) Select Committees on private bills;