8 Our vision for the future
135. The evidence we have received in this inquiry
is broadly encouraging: select committees are seen as a key part
of the constitutional framework, successful in influencing both
Government and external bodies, and a leading forum for public
debate; they also greatly extend the engagement of the public
with Parliament in a positive way. Committees' legitimacy in the
eyes of the public, their profile in the media, and their self-confidence
is growing. But they face some obstacles: departments do not always
co-operate fully with committee inquiries and Government imposes
constraints on committees' access to information and witnesses.
Committees' powers to secure the attendance of witnesses and the
provision of information are strong, but they are limited with
regard to Government, and their enforceability has been brought
into doubt. There are things committees could do better themselves:
they should be clearer about their objectives, use their time
more effectively, and make sure they have the skills to do their
work effectively. They need to be more agile in their inquiry
process, while retaining their reputation for impartial and evidence-based
reporting. The resources committees have at their disposal are
necessarily limited, so they need to make sure that they are used
to best effect and that they make full use of external support.
Committees need to do more to get their message across to the
public, particularly through better use of the parliamentary website
and new media.
136. We have a clear vision for the future. Our aim
is that committees should be respected, listened to and feared
by departments and ministers for the quality of their investigations,
the rigour of their questioning, the depth of their analysis,
and the value of their reports. Their influence will go beyond
the subjects they choose to inquire into: departments will be
mindful of the reaction of their committee when they make policy
decisions and of the high probability of exposure of any administrative
shortcomings. Committees will be routinely consulted by ministers
and officials but will retain their detachment and ability to
offer objective criticism. Their ability to do their job will
not be limited by constraints on access to information or the
witnesses they wish to hear from, and they will be able to draw
on expert advice and research. They will be seen by our stakeholder
communities as an important player, influencing Government and
public opinion, and as the natural place to go to with concerns
and ideas. The role of committees and the powers which
they can draw upon will be understood by the public, and
they will engage with a wide diversity of people in gathering
evidence for our inquiries. Their work will be respected for its
integrity and relevance to people's lives, and will contribute
to reviving faith in the value of parliamentary democracy.
137. This is not a utopian dream, but a vision which
we think is achievable with the co-operation of Government
and the support of the public by the end of the next Parliament.
Our aim is to build a consensus for delivering this vision by
2020.
138. As a first step, we will be seeking the support
of the House of Commons by asking the Backbench Business Committee
for time for a debate on a motion endorsing the conclusions and
recommendations set out in this report.
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