HC Deb 28 February 1977 vol 927 c25
33. Mr. Whitehead

asked the Lord President of the Council what plans he has for increasing the effectiveness of the Select Committee system.

Mr. Foot

The way in which Select Committees operate is within the terms of reference of the present Select Committee on Procedure. I think the House should await any recommendations which the Select Committee may decide to put forward on this matter.

Mr. Whitehead

I thank the Minister for his reply, but is he aware that it is difficult for those of us who are trying to follow with interest the Select Committee on Procedure because proceedings are published a month late? Before the Committee reports, would the Minister give instructions, or put the notion before the Services Committee, so that we have Select Committees' proceedings published in Hansard exactly as Standing Committee proceedings are published?

Mr. Foot

Printing problems would arise in that respect. I am sorry if there has been any inconvenience to the House because of the gap in time between the proceedings of the Committee and the publication of the reports, and I shall see what can be done.