Erskine May's Treatise on the law, privileges, proceedings, and usage of Parliament

Since the first publication of Erskine May's Parliamentary Practice, not long after the reform of Parliament in 1832, Erskine May has represented the collective wisdom of the Clerks of both Houses. In the course of Parliamentary debate, committee proceedings and the everyday practices of Parliament, appeal is made to the authority of Erskine May. It is the indispensable source of reference on matters pertaining to the law, privileges, proceedings and usage of Parliament, giving full and detailed information on the constituent parts of Parliament, its power and jurisdiction, membership of either House, financial procedure, the process of debate - in short, Erskine May is a comprehensive and essential work for those concerned with Parliamentary procedures.

The 21st edition of Erskine May has been brought right up to date with a whole host of important changes which have occurred since the previous edition was published in 1983 and greater emphasis has been placed on current rather than former practice. In particular, the chapters on privilege have been extensively revised and there is also mention of the statutory creation of Parliamentary copyright. In line with current practice, the chapters on public Bills have also been revised whilst those dealing with financial matters have been shortened and simplified - not least to reflect the fact that the Autumn Statement, the Public Expenditure Survey and the system of cash limits have assumed greater significance in the Parliamentary control of finance than the formal passing of the Supply Estimates. In addition to these changes, the work also takes into account the not insignificant effects of the Single European Act - presenting a short account of the main institutions of the Communities and covering in some detail those functions which are scrutinised in some way by the two Houses and the procedure through which this scrutiny is carried out.