How parliament works

How does Parliament work? Its activities and debates are constantly in the news, but much of its work remains a mystery - even to some of its members. What are Parliament's powers? What happens when you write to your MP? Who are the Lords? Why is there so much noise at Prime Minister's question time? What do select committees do, and how powerful are they?

Paul Silk and Rhodri Walters hold important administrative posts in the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and are ideally placed to provide the answers to these questions. They have drawn on their practical experience to provide an authoritative and highly readable guide to the workings and activities of the two Houses of Parliament. Their book reveals the realities of the day to-day organisation of parliamentary business, the main activities of MPs and peers, the ways in which committees work and how debates are conducted.

How Parliament Works is also concerned with wider issues. How representative is Parliament? What role does it have within the European Community? How should it be reformed? This book provides an intriguing introduction for all those interested in the current state of one of Britain's oldest and most important institutions.