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

Inquiry

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

View all inquiries
Select Committees and Contempts
Opened 11 May 2019

Latest news

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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
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General Election 2019
Following the Dissolution of Parliament on 6 November 2019, all select committees have ceased to exist
6 November 2019

Upcoming events

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Formal meeting (private meeting)
9 March 2021 - 9am to midday
Virtual meeting

Contact us

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