ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the relationship between the government and Parliament, particularly the House of Commons and discusses the doctrine of collective and individual ministerial responsibility. It describes the various parliamentary procedures which facilitate scrutiny of policy and administration and addresses the role of Select Committees in the scrutiny of government. The chapter reviews the role and functions of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration: the Ombudsman and outlines the role and scope of judicial review of administrative action. Early Day Motions (EDMs) originated in the mid-nineteenth century. Before that time, the parliamentary timetable was relaxed and Members had adequate opportunity to raise matters for subsequent debate in the House. As pressure for time in the House increased, the practice developed of Members giving notice that they intended to raise a particular matter for debate at some future, unspecified, date. The rules and restrictions on EDMs are few, and are consistent with the general rules concerning motions.
