The Parliament scrutinizes and debates on the work of the Government. Scrutiny is done by both the Houses in a similar manner although there is a variation in their methods. The procedure followed is questioning the government ministers, discussing and investigating the work of the different committees. However the government has the full right to explain and rationalize the policies and decisions made by it.
Commonly asked questions
Questions are thrown at the Governmental Ministers by both the Houses. The ministers, however may give their replies either verbally or in writing. Ministers from the House of Commons attend the Parliament on a rotation basis so as to answer to the questions. The Prime Minister of England also answers to the questions every Wednesday. In the House of Lords, every day starts with the question session. There is no set day for governmental departments.
Discussions
The House of Commons discuss both, national and international topics. Voting is resorted to in order to understand whether the majority of the members have agreed or disagreed to a particular decision. In the House of Lords, one day in every week is kept aside fore general debates, whereas short debates take place on a regular basis. However in the House of Lords, there are no votes on these debates.
Small Committees or Groups
Specific decisions regarding important issues are taken care of by smaller groups of MP’s or members of the House of Lords. Different committees perform different duties like advisory duties, preparing. reports, altering legislations. Both, the House of Commons as well as the House of Lords have permanent and temporary committees. In case of certain matters, members from the House of Commons and members from the House of Lords also work together in Joint Select Committees. The government responses to most of the Committee Reports.
