tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post107840532439442347..comments2024-03-04T17:54:32.559+00:00Comments on Iain Dale's Diary: Why Backbench Committees Should ReturnIain Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270146219458384372noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-65488003407869998822010-01-27T21:13:56.059+00:002010-01-27T21:13:56.059+00:00Why are you still going on about this when there a...Why are you still going on about this when there are worthy causes like this to support:<br /><br />http://www.tuc.org.uk/international/tuc-17488-f0.cfm<br /><br />Laugh, I'll probably never startBardirecthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12167919762034389133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-31632268272192354712010-01-27T20:09:15.859+00:002010-01-27T20:09:15.859+00:00I like this idea. It gives the backbenchers a far...I like this idea. It gives the backbenchers a far greater say in how the country is run and also should help them to spot ministerial mistakes before they happen, which is always good.<br /><br />I would also suggest opening the committees to backbenchers from other parties, as it never hurts to get a broad view - nor to help train up those who may also one day be helping the country.Elliot Kanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-714388965433462952010-01-27T19:49:10.036+00:002010-01-27T19:49:10.036+00:00Now you are talking Iain.Now you are talking Iain.OldSlaughterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04807170326475262427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-56850162905582271102010-01-27T19:11:20.349+00:002010-01-27T19:11:20.349+00:00A fine idea, completely agree. "Make it so&qu...A fine idea, completely agree. "Make it so"Magical_Misthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07446193963152993371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-88383871112884290632010-01-27T15:03:00.882+00:002010-01-27T15:03:00.882+00:00Quite a number of commentators seem unaware that y...Quite a number of commentators seem unaware that you are not proposing anything new, but rather (as you say) seeking to resurrect a system of backbench committees that previously existed, cost next to nothing (the MPs elected as officers basically organised them), and proved effective at influencing ministers. They were more effective than the blunt weapon of the 1922 Committee.Erskine Mayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11890563553021016531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-39972472182243267142010-01-27T14:14:36.924+00:002010-01-27T14:14:36.924+00:00Have faith! Plans are already under way.Have faith! Plans are already under way.Insidernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-77752957137829987172010-01-27T14:14:34.012+00:002010-01-27T14:14:34.012+00:00This seems an excellent idea. I never knew about t...This seems an excellent idea. I never knew about them. I imagine this is because I became a Conservative about six years after they'd gone.<br /> My only question relates to their relationship with the Conservative members of the relevant Parliamentary Select Committee. Would those Select Committee members be permanent members of the Backbench Committee or just guest speakers etc?<br /> Please excuse my ignorance. I'm learning new things every day. I now know more about the finances and internal workings of West Ham United Football Club than I previously imagined I ever would.Conandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18028671462205997161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-83201578295009291252010-01-27T14:11:04.661+00:002010-01-27T14:11:04.661+00:00A good idea in theory but in practice who knows.A good idea in theory but in practice who knows.Captain Scarlettnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-65004870772388435732010-01-27T14:10:16.177+00:002010-01-27T14:10:16.177+00:00I think its an interesting concept and its valuabl...I think its an interesting concept and its valuable to have scrutiny conducted at a backbench level to give a degree of analysis to Government policy. So in terms of resurrecting it - your analysis is compelling. <br /><br />The issue I have from a purely economical standpoint is will be gaining any new utility in the way government functions and the mechanisms of scrutiny which follow if we adopt what you are proposing? <br />The realist in me says NO.Paul Wnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-60555210211239689302010-01-27T13:51:41.878+00:002010-01-27T13:51:41.878+00:00What was the cost of them iain? Who pays? As a cha...What was the cost of them iain? Who pays? As a charity lobbyist, I find them an interesting idea. However, they could just be more committees that comes up with great reports but which have no impact on gov policy, like (shamefully) select committees and bill scrutiny committees.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-27399447094894518042010-01-27T13:48:07.670+00:002010-01-27T13:48:07.670+00:00A while ago I remember talking about an audit func...A while ago I remember talking about an audit function fir each Ministry. I would suggest also giving these committees an auditing and risk management function.<br /><br />This would take the form of the chief risk officer and perhaps there would be a minister for the back benches to sit in cabinet to raise concerns. <br /><br />I understand this would make the committees less creative and more constraining but it's worth remembering that Givernments lose election through their mistakes.javelinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04685858339910528013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-33026710105422300032010-01-27T13:12:39.925+00:002010-01-27T13:12:39.925+00:00Were there any examples of these groups disagreein...Were there any examples of these groups disagreeing with policy and publicly announcing it?Fuddled Medichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01745789223098027251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-62066378171532813372010-01-27T12:39:45.616+00:002010-01-27T12:39:45.616+00:00Fine idea - but is anyone listening? As far as I c...Fine idea - but is anyone listening? As far as I can see communicating with Tory HQ is a one way street, outwards only.JohnRShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07021101596935644363noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-80033921617307350462010-01-27T12:09:14.948+00:002010-01-27T12:09:14.948+00:00I agree very strongly with this. The committees w...I agree very strongly with this. The committees were also invaluable as a channel of communication between backbenchers and party leaders. Without them, the only structured channel is that of the whips, which does not allow for the deliberations and constructive engagement possible through the backbench committees. The committees were extremely important from the period of their development in the 1920s through to going into abeyance in 1997. The case for their revival is compelling.Erskine Mayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11890563553021016531noreply@blogger.com