Conclusion
59. Our conclusion is that the select committees
have served Parliament and the public well. They have enabled
Members of Parliament to hold the Executive to account through
more rigorous scrutiny than is possible on the floor of the House
and they have brought before the public matters which otherwise
might have remained concealed. Our recommendations build on that
solid record by offering an expanded role for the scrutiny committees
and additional resources to match the wider workload. The new
system of nominations which we propose will guarantee the independence
of the select committees and ensure that the process of their
selection is transparent. Our proposal for an alternative career
structure for those Members of Parliament who choose to specialise
in scrutiny will enhance the status of the scrutiny committees
and our proposals for improved communication of their work will
enable them better to connect with the public. We believe that
this package will strengthen the ability of Parliament to keep
the Executive under effective scrutiny and we commend it to the
House.
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