ABSTRACT
The House of Commons fulfils a range of functions, but its capacity to do so effectively has been the subject of controversy. Members of Parliament are called on to carry out the functions of the House of Commons. The increase in demands on MPs' time can be ascribed to four sources: public business, organised interests, constituents and MPs themselves. Organised interests have been responsible for a marked increase in the mailbag of MPs. So too have constituents. The possible explanations may be summarised under the headings of partisanship, executive dominance, the creation of other policy-making bodies, and scandal. There has been a perception of a growth in executive dominance in the UK. The capacity of the House to fulfil its functions is undermined not only by executive domination of the House but also by the creation of other policy-making bodies.
