This document provides an introduction to select committees in the UK Parliament. It explains that select committees hold inquiries into matters within their remit, gather written and oral evidence, and produce reports with recommendations. Citizens can get involved by submitting evidence, attending oral evidence sessions, or contacting their MP or committee members about issues. The document outlines the inquiry process and gives information on how citizens can learn more about select committees and their role in scrutinizing legislation and government.

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Select Committees: an
introduction
Clare Mullin
UK Parliament’s Outreach and Engagement
Service

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#GetParliament
Parliament’s Outreach Service

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#GetParliament
What is Parliament?
House of
Commons
House of
Lords
The Monarch

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The core tasks of Parliament
Proposes and makes
laws (Legislation)
Holds Government to account
Enables the Government to
set taxes

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Parliament and Government

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Select Committees

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Video: House of Lords select committees
http://www.parliament.uk/about/podcasts/theworkofparliament/select-
committees-in-the-house-of-lords/lords-select-committees-get-involved/

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A select committee inquiry
• Inquiry announced
• Call for evidence
• Written evidence deadline
• Oral evidence sessions
• Report preparation
• Publication of report
• Government response

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Evidence gathering

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http://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/committees/

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Oral evidence

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Select committee report

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Video: House of Commons select
committees
http://www.parliament.uk/about/podcasts/theworkofparliament/select-
committees-in-the-house-of-commons/why-are-select-committees-important/

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Petitions Committee
What can the Petitions Committee do with
petitions?
• Seek further info in writing - from petitioners, the Government,
other public bodies, other relevant people/organisations
• Seek further information in person – in Parliament or elsewhere
• Refer to another select committee (but no obligation to act)
• Schedule a debate in Westminster Hall (Monday afternoon, from
4.30pm for up to three hours)
• Ask the Backbench Business Committee for debating time in the
Chamber
• Nothing

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Pre-legislative scrutiny and
post-legislative scrutiny

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Your next steps...
Watch, read or attend a select committee evidence session
Use http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/ to find
information on specific select committees
Use www.parliament.uk to research MPs and Peers with an interest in your
issue
Write to an interested member of a select committee, an MP or Peer, about
your issue
Write to committee staff about your issue
Read the advice on submitting evidence to select committees
Submit evidence to a select committee

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Where can I get information?
www.parliament.uk @UKParliament
House of Commons Enquiry Service
• 020 7219 4272
• @HouseofCommons hcenquiries@parliament.uk
House of Lords Information Office
• 020 7219 3107
• @UKHouseofLords hlinfo@parliament.uk
Parliament’s Outreach Service
• 020 7219 1650
• outreach@parliament.uk