Parliament : Functions, Practice and Procedure

This book presents a detailed account of the organizations, functions, procedures and practices of the Parliament at Westminister.

Focusing on public business, the roles of the principal participants in the parliamentary process are analyzed while the procedural opportunities, and the uses to which they are put, are considered in depth.

Part 1 analyzes the functions, powers and membership of the Commons.

The significance of parliamentary Government and privilege are discussed, as are the Parties and the relationship between the Commons and the people.

Part 2 describes the framework for parliamentary business, both physical and procedural.

The organization, institutions and processes of the Commons are fully considered.

Part 3 details how the opportunities open to Members of Parliament to participate in proceedings on the floor of the House and in committee are used.

It points out in particular how the Government controls business in the Commons.

Participation through Government, Opposition and back-bench initiatives, and the role of select committees, are related comprehensively. Part 4 deals briefly with the House of Lords, which differs greatly from the Commons in procedure and whose functions, especially on legislation, have markedly increased of late.