Power and functions of the Speaker of the House of Commons of the British Parliament.
Power and functions of the Speaker of the House of Commons of the British Parliament.
Discuss the powers and functions of the Speaker of the House of Commons.
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Powers and functions of the Speaker of the House of Commons : -
The Speaker is the President of the lower house of the British Parliament, that is, the House of Commons. This position is very important and traditional in the British legislature and government. Dicey says that the position of Speaker accurately expresses the true nature of the British constitution. According to Jennings, the Speaker is the most important person in the British House of Commons. The position of Speaker was recognized in 1377 AD and the first Speaker of Britain was Sir Thomas Hungerford.
The Speaker is the director and president of the House of Commons. The Speaker has to perform his duties while maintaining political neutrality. The source of the Speaker's power is the rules of the House of Commons, the prevailing customs and traditions and the written law. The powers and functions of the Speaker are as follows: -
1. Conducting the meeting and determining the content of the discussion: -
The Speaker determines which members will participate in the discussion of a matter, which questions can be presented, whether a proposal is valid and how much time a member will get for discussion and debate - all these are determined by the Speaker. When a voting situation arises on a matter, he conducts the vote and, if necessary, casts the deciding vote. However, the Speaker himself does not participate in any debate or discussion.
2. Maintaining peace and order in the house: -
The Speaker's role is mainly to maintain the traditions of the house, peace and order, etc. during the conduct of the house. If a complex situation arises during the conduct of the meeting, if a member behaves indecently or uses indecent language against the traditions of the house, the Speaker can order them to be restrained, reprimand them; even have to order any member to leave the room for his or her behavior. In addition, if a chaotic situation arises, the Speaker can temporarily suspend the house. The Speaker's decision on any matter related to the conduct of the procedure is final.
3. Interpretation of laws and regulations related to the conduct of the house: -
He interprets and decides on the existing and parliamentary laws regarding the raising of any motion or question in the House of Commons. All these decisions are considered as precedents in making decisions in the future. In raising and conducting such motions, he interprets and analyzes past precedents. He has to decide whether or not to accept a motion to close the discussion on a matter, questions of validity, etc.
4. Protection of the rights of members: -
The Speaker has to take the main initiative in protecting the dignity of the House of Commons as a whole and the rights of each member. In case of contempt of the House or violation of the rights of any member, the Speaker can take appropriate action against the accused member or person. He can even order the arrest of any member who has insulted the House of Commons.
5. Right to decide on money bills: -
At present, money bills can be introduced only in the House of Commons. But if any dispute arises as to whether a bill is a money bill or not, the Speaker alone has the right to decide on it. His decision in this regard is final. A money bill passed in the House of Commons is sent to the King or Queen after receiving the Speaker's certificate.
6. Management of the committees of the House: -
There are several committees in the House of Commons. The function of these committees is to examine and analyze laws, customs, etc. and submit reports to the House of Commons. The work of conducting the house is facilitated on the basis of the reports of these committees. The chairmen of all these committees are appointed by the Speaker.
7. Role as a link between the House of Commons and the monarchy: -
The Speaker plays a major role in establishing a link between the House of Commons and the King or Queen. He is the one who submits the application to the King or Queen on behalf of the House.
8. Indirect control over the Council of Ministers: -
The House of Commons can demand departmental information from any minister. In this case, the Speaker can force that departmental minister to provide information. If he is dissatisfied with the activities of the ministers, he can criticize and reprimand them.
9. Role as the mouthpiece of the House of Commons: -
He can issue orders on behalf of the House of Commons and conduct the House of Commons. Also, the office specified for the House of Commons works under the Speaker. All the employees of this office are under the Speaker. The Speaker is the only one who has the authority to direct the responsibilities and duties of all of them. Also, if the post of any member is vacant in the House, he can also issue instructions for elections or appointments.
10. Responsibility as a representative of the House of Commons: -
The Speaker performs the main responsibility as the representative of the House of Commons. He participates in various government functions on behalf of the House. As a representative of the House, he invites various parliamentary representatives and attends various parliamentary conferences.
11. Other powers: -
If an allegation of violation of rights is made, the Speaker has to trial the accused. If there is a disagreement regarding the election of the Leader of the Opposition, etc., the Speaker has to resolve all those disputes.
Finally, it can be said that the Speaker can act in all matters according to his own judgment - he does not have to take advice from anyone else. The dignity of the Speaker's office depends largely on the personal qualifications, discretion, personality, etc.
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