Committees consisting of both MPs and Lords are known as Joint Committees. The powers of the Joint Committees are similar to those of Select Committees. Some Joint Committees are permanent and one example is the Joint Committee on Human Rights. However appointments are also made for specific purposes.
How they function
Although a joint Committee comprises of members from both the Houses of the Parliament, it works as a single committee. It also appoints a chairman, who is either a MP or a Lord. The Joint Committees function like Select Committees. The Joint Committee can conduct scrutiny on any area and the reports of such enquiries are available to the public in printed and online formats.
Important Joint Committees
The Joint Committees of Human Rights and Statutory Instruments meet on a regular basis. The Joint Committee in Human Rights meet on a regular basis in order to resolve the major Human Rights issues in UK. The Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments meet in order to examine delegated legislation.
Other Joint Committees
Joint Committees also meet to discuss about Draft Bills. However, these Joint Committees cease to operate as soon as a full report regarding the same has been submitted.
