HC Deb 20 July 2001 vol 372 cc469-70W
Mr. Laws

To ask the President of the Council if he will bring forward proposals to enable Back-Bench Members to have greater influence in the selection of members of Select Committees. [5830]

Mr. Robin Cook

The Select Committee on the Modernisation of the House of Commons has agreed that, as an immediate priority, it will look at how best to ensure transparency in nominations to Select Committees. In order to make quick progress on this urgent issue the Modernisation Committee will meet again during the recess, in September. Our intention will be to agree a report on procedures for nominations for vacancies when the House resumes in October.

Mr. Laws

To ask the President of the Council what plans he has to introduce measures to increase the powers and enhance the status of Select Committees. [5831]

Mr. Robin Cook

The Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons has agreed to undertake a comprehensive review of Select Committees. It will look at how Select Committees are set up, the powers available to them and how their reports are handled in Parliament, as well as other relevant issues.

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