ABSTRACT
The source material that you require to be able to answer this question is dominated by the convention of ministerial responsibility. For accountability via debate and legislation you will need to be familiar with the legislative stages by which public bills (government or private members bills) hybrid bills and private bills become law, together with other opportunities for debate. You should also be familiar with the different types of delegated legislation and the different levels of parliamentary scrutiny that apply. For accountability via questioning and investigation, you will need to be familiar with oral, written and private notices questions. Particular attention should be paid to the new system of departmental select committees introduced in 1979 to scrutinise ‘the policy, administration and finance’ of departments of State. Further evidence of the strengthening of parliamentary supervision over the government is illustrated by the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967, which introduced the office of Ombudsman to help assist the investigation of ’maladministration’. The National Audit Act 1983 strengthened parliamentary supervision over expenditure by providing for a National Audit Office (headed by a Comptroller and Auditor General) and the establishment of a Public Accounts Commission. The intention is that these bodies will work with the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Commons to promote economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the use of public money. The case of Bowles v Bank of England (1913) demonstrates
the legal dangers inherent in taking parliamentary approval for granted in relation to the finance cycle, reformed in 1993.
