Committees

Committee of Privileges

Commons Select Committee

The Committee of Privileges is appointed to consider specific matters relating to privileges referred to it by the House. The scope of any inquiry comprises all matters relevant to the matter referred.

The Committee of Privileges currently has one matter referred to it, that of “the exercise and enforcement of the powers of the House in relation to select committees and contempts” (referred by the House on 27 October 2016). The Committee’s inquiry is assessing different options for enforcing the House’s powers to summon witnesses and call for production of documents. This includes reviewing the House’s available sanctions in cases of non-compliance by witnesses and other contempts.

More background on the purpose of the inquiry can be found by contacting privileges@parliament.uk

These pages only show information for this committee from the start of 2020 onwards. Earlier information can be found on the previous version of the UK Parliament website.

View previous Committee of Privileges website

Inquiry

Inquiries allow committees to consider oral and written evidence on a particular topic. They usually result in the publication of a report.

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Select Committees and Contempts
Written evidence:
Accepting
Deadline 8 June 2021
Report:
Published
On 2 May 2021
Govt. response:
Due by
On 3 July 2021
Opened 11 May 2019

Latest news

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Privileges Committee publish key report on select committee powers
The Committee of Privileges report considers how the House can address the issue of the enforcement of select committee powers
2 May 2021
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Select Committees and Contempts - Chair’s thoughts for 2021
Committee of Privileges publishes article from the House magazine’s 2021 Guide to Select Committees
22 January 2021
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New chair appointed and inquiry into select committees and contempts resumed
Chris Bryant MP is new Chair of the Committee and resumes inquiry on select committees and contempts
1 June 2020

Latest publications

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First Report - Select committees and contempts: clarifying and strengthening powers to call for persons, papers and records
Inquiry Select Committees and Contempts
Committees Committee of Privileges
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Report

Contact us

  • Email: privileges@parliament.uk
  • Phone: 020 7219 3259 (general enquiries) / 0207 219 1493 or 07712540141 (Paul Connolly: Media enquiries)