House of Lords Committees

 

Much (welcome) emphasis is given in the press to the activities of the committees in the House of Commons. There are "Public Bill Committees", which go through and amend bills as part of the legislative process. The Public Accounts Committee has a special role in overseeing the use of public money, and there is a system of Departmental Select Committees.

Committees in the House of Lords are often overlooked - but are great significance. The European Committees have an important role in the scrutiny of EU policy and legislation. The Lords is very good at overseeing secondary legislation from the British Government.

The House of Lords Library has recently produced a research note on current and former committees. It is available here. In my view it is both an interesting read and a useful work of reference.