Select Committees (Lords)

Lords Select Committees tend to be set up to consider issues that cut across government departments, which means that they rarely overlap with the departmental select committees of the Lower House. Examples of such Lords Select Committees are the Economic Affairs, Constitution and Delegated Powers Committees. The biggest committee is the Select Committee on the European Union. This committee, which has a number of sub-committees, is charged with scrutinising the work of the EU.

The House frequently sets up committees to consider and report on specific subjects. Recent examples are the Select Committee on Animals in Scientific Procedures and the Select Committee on Religious Offences. The Lords also has 'domestic' committees, including the Accommodation and Works and Information Committees.

Committee membership is put to the House to approve, normally without a vote, nominations having been made via the Usual Channels. Most committees have around 12 members, the party balance mirroring that of the House.