A permanent official of the House of Commons is known as the Clerk of the House. The most important function of the Clerk of the House of Commons is to advis4e the Speaker and the MPs regarding the procedures in the House of Commons. He is also responsible for managing the Commons’ departments and services. Neither does the Clerk have a political connection nor is he a civil servant. The Crown appoints him.
Functions of the Clerk in the House of Commons
It is the duty of the clerk to formally record the Discussions and decisions that take place in the House. The Speaker also gives procedural advice to the Speaker and the MPs. The seat of the Clerk is right in front of the Speaker and between the Government and the opposition. The Clerk in the house has an uniform that consists of a very distinctive traditional outfit and comprises of a white bob wig and a black silk gown.
Outside functions
The Clerk has varied functions. They are well conversant with the formal and informal rules and regulations and they assist the Speaker in all-important matters. The Clerk also functions as the Chief Executive and the Chef Accounting Officer of the House of Commons and therefore, he has many managerial responsibilities. He is the Chairperson of the Board of Management which debates and discusses corporate issues, authorizes contracts and spends and accounts for all expenses that are made for running the House of Commons. The Clerk also acts as the liaison officer between the House of Commons and other overseas elected bodies.
