Oral Answers to Questions — Naval and Military Pensions and Grants. – in the House of Commons at on 9 December 1929.
Captain Harry Crookshank
, Gainsborough
asked the Prime Minister if he has considered setting up a committee somewhat on the lines of the Estimates Committee in order to examine every Bill on its introduction and to report to the House whether and, if so, how such a Bill increases the power of the Departments; and, if so, whether he proposes to invite this House to set up such a Standing Committee?
Mr Ramsay Macdonald
, Seaham
The whole question of the powers of the executive both as regards subordinate legislation and quasi-judicial decision is at present under the consideration of a Committee appointed by the Lord Chancellor, with my concurrence, and presided over by Lord Donoughmore. I do not think any step should be taken to prejudge the report which they may present.
Captain Harry Crookshank
, Gainsborough
Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree with the suggestion made by the Lord Chief Justice, that a committee of this kind might serve a useful purpose in the interval?
A proposal for new legislation that is debated by Parliament.
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.
