Select Committee on Committees

Select Committee on Committees was a significant investigative body within the House of Commons during the late 20th century. Established in the aftermath of the 1979 general election, it was tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the select committee system itself. Its work, led by Sir Anthony Kershaw, led to profound reforms that reshaped parliamentary scrutiny for decades, most notably through the creation of departmental select committees.

History and establishment

The committee was formed in 1979 against a backdrop of growing pressure for parliamentary modernization and increased oversight of the executive. Its creation followed the recommendations of the Procedure Committee and was a direct response to criticisms that the Westminster system lacked effective mechanisms for holding ministers and civil servants to account. The initiative gained momentum under the new Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, and the Leader of the House of Commons, Norman St John-Stevas, who was a key proponent of parliamentary reform. The establishment of this body marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of the British constitution, aiming to strengthen the legislature's role vis-à-vis the Cabinet of the United Kingdom.

Membership and structure

The committee was composed of Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum, reflecting the consensual nature of its reform mission. It was chaired by the experienced Conservative MP Sir Anthony Kershaw, known for his expertise in parliamentary procedure. Other notable members included Labour MP John Garrett and Liberal MP Clement Freud, ensuring diverse perspectives. The structure was typical of a House of Commons select committee, with the power to take evidence, summon witnesses, and appoint specialist advisers. Its operations were supported by the Clerk of the House and staff from the Department of the Clerk of the House of Commons.

Functions and responsibilities

Its primary function was to examine the entire select committee system and propose a new framework for sustained scrutiny of government departments. This involved evaluating the effectiveness of existing committees like the Public Accounts Committee and the Estimates Committee. The committee was empowered to take oral and written evidence from a wide range of witnesses, including former Prime Ministers, senior civil servants, academics from institutions like the London School of Economics, and journalists. Its core responsibility was to design a system that would improve the flow of information from the executive to Parliament and enhance the investigative capacity of backbench MPs.

Key reports and recommendations

The committee produced two seminal reports. Its **First Report** in 1979 recommended the abolition of most existing thematic select committees and their replacement with a new set of committees shadowing government departments. The **Second Report** in 1980 provided the detailed blueprint, proposing 14 departmental select committees covering areas such as the Treasury, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and the Ministry of Defence. Key recommendations included giving committees permanent memberships, broad mandates to examine expenditure, administration, and policy, and the right to appoint specialist advisers. These proposals were largely accepted by the House of Commons in a historic debate in June 1979, leading to their implementation in the 1983 parliamentary session.

Impact and legacy

The impact of the committee was transformative, fundamentally altering the landscape of British politics. Its recommendations led directly to the establishment of the modern departmental select committee system, which has become a cornerstone of parliamentary accountability. This reform significantly strengthened the ability of Parliament to scrutinize the policies and actions of the government, influencing major inquiries into events such as the Iraq War and the 2008 financial crisis. The legacy of the Kershaw Committee endures, as its model has been adapted and expanded, including for the scrutiny of devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, cementing its role as a foundational event in the history of the Westminster system.

Category:Defunct select committees of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom Category:1979 establishments in the United Kingdom Category:1985 disestablishments in the United Kingdom