Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at on 13 March 1929.
Lieut-Colonel Leo Amery
, Birmingham Sparkbrook
The full Report of the Conference has not yet been received, but I understand that it is being distributed by the Australian Forest Authorities. I have, however, just received an advance copy of the Summary Report and Resolutions through the Standing Committee of the Empire Forestry Conference, and I am giving the question of the future of the imperial Forestry Institute my earnest consideration.
In a normal session there are up to ten standing committees on bills. Each has a chair and from 16 to 50 members. Standing committee members on bills are appointed afresh for each new bill by the Committee of Selection which is required to take account of the composition of the House of Commons (ie. party proportions) as well as the qualification of members to be nominated. The committees are chaired by a member of the Chairmen's Panel (whose members are appointed by the Speaker). In standing committees the Chairman has much the same function as the Speaker in the House of Commons. Like the Speaker, a chairman votes only in the event of a tie, and then usually in accordance with precedent. The committees consider each bill clause by clause and may make amendments. There are no standing committees in the House of Lords.
