Growth of parliamentary scrutiny by committee

It is a contemporary platitude that the power of executive govern ment constantly increases, while the power and influence of Parliament constantly diminishes. I think this argument is greatly exaggerated. It generally overstates the independent power of past legislatures and it underrates the extent to which any government has to adapt its policies to the views of Parliament-and indeed to the views of the general public.

Nevertheless, the last thirty years have seen a considerable expan sion in the range and complexity of governmental activities. It has become increasingly difficult for Parliament to exercise its historic rôle of being an informed and effective critic of the actions of the execu tive. If it is to continue to perform this vital rôle in our constitution, Parliament must adapt its procedures to take account of these changes. It must have access to the facts of contemporary government in a way which will enable its Members to be properly informed; and it must have institutions which will enable the informed views of Members to be given their due weight.