SCRUTINY OF THE EXECUTIVE Introduction and Scope

SCRUTINY OF THE EXECUTIVE • Introduction and Scope of the Lecture • What is ‘scrutiny? ’ • Relevance of doctrine of separation of powers.

SCRUTINY OF THE EXECUTIVE • Three specific methods of scrutiny will be considered. • 1. Debates • 2. Parliamentary Questions • 3 Select Committees

SCRUTINY OF THE EXECUTIVE • 1. Debates • Early Day Motions • Adjournment Debates • Opposition Days • The Reply to the Queen’s Speech

SCRUTINY OF THE EXECUTIVE • Government Debates • Westminster Hall • Limitations on Debate as a method of scrutiny.

SCRUTINY OF THE EXECUTIVE • 2. Parliamentary Questions • Two types, oral and written. • (a) Oral Questions • Purpose and timing • Restrictions on subject-matter. The ‘open’ question.

SCRUTINY OF THE EXECUTIVE • Limitations of Questions • Note the words of one former Head of the Civil Service. “[a] Minister, by judicious presentation and omission may give an impression to Parliament which is not the impression which would be formed if someone had all the evidence. ” • Written Questions

SCRUTINY OF THE EXECUTIVE • 3. Select Committees • ‘Ad hoc’ committees • Departmentally-Related Select Committees • Limits and Successes

SCRUTINY OF THE EXECUTIVE • Next Step Agencies and Accountability • Possible Dilution of Effectiveness of the House of Commons? • Conclusion.