The Development of the Treasury Select Committee 1995–2015

Abstract

The Select Committees of the House of Commons have, in the past, been perceived as a parliamentary backwater, supporting debate but lacking real influence in the Chamber. Over the course of the past two decades, however, some Select Committees have distinguished themselves as more than authors of advisory reports. The Treasury Select Committee (Treasury Committee) has been at the forefront of this development. The article follows the Treasury Committee’s progress from an awkward and rarely heard backbench Committee, moving beyond its original remit to become a high-profile public platform where Government, quangos and even the private industry are scrutinised and brought to account on their actions.