ABSTRACT
The widely held theory that committee systems offer parliaments an effec tive solution to many perceived deficiencies in the democratic process domi nated the proceedings in Discussion Group A. But the exchange of views chaired by Hon. Peter Caruana of Gibraltar and opened by Senator the Hon. Gerry Ottenheimer of Canada produced a preliminary set of criteria which, it was argued, must be satisfied if committees are to be effective in making parliaments more representative, responsible and relevant.
