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This report describes the work of the Defence Committee in 2005 and 2006, since its appointment in July 2005. It illustrates how—in carrying out its work of scrutinising the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and associated public bodies—it has met the core tasks recommended to Select Committees by the Liaison Committee.
The report highlights aspects of the Committee's working practices which depart from previous practice or which may otherwise be of interest. In particular it draws attention to the webforum held during its inquiry into Educating Service Children; its taking of evidence directly from the children of Service families; and the growing amount of informal activities, including inward visits. It underlines the importance of visits to the Armed Forces in the UK and overseas and of Members' participation in political dialogue in other European countries. It calls for the Whips to act more flexibly in allowing absence from Westminster for Committee business.
The report commends the MoD for its timeliness in responding to reports, and acknowledges that the content of the Government's responses are reasonable. It notes a number of cases in which the MoD has accepted the Committee's recommendations, and acknowledges the broadly constructive relationship which has developed between the Committee and the Department.
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