Duties of Standing Committees

The Committee of Privileges enquires into complaints of contempt of Parliament and matters of privilege which may be referred to it. The House Committee considers and advises the Speaker upon matters connected with the comfort and convenience of Members.

The Public Accounts Committee examines the accounts showing the appropriation of the sums granted by Parliament to meet public expenditure and any other accounts laid before Parliament that are referred to it, together with the Auditor-General’s report on the accounts.

It also advises on changes that may be considered desirable in the form of the Estimates. The Committee also examines the accounts of a statutory body which have been laid before Parliament. The Committee has the power to travel to and meet in places that it considers necessary.

The Public Accounts Committee must report to Parliament at least twice in a year. The Minority Leader or Opposition “Spokesman” on Finance is usually chairman of the Committee.
The Business Committee determines the business of each Sitting and the order in which it is to be taken. The Majority Leader is the chair¬man of the Committee and the Minority Leader is a member of the Committee.

The Standing Orders Committee considers and reports to Parliament proposals for the amendment of the Standing Orders