Committee on Subordinate Legislation
A Committee on Subordinate Legislation (COSL) is a parliamentary committee that examines and reports on subordinate legislation. Subordinate legislation is law that is made by the executive branch of government, rather than by the legislature. It can take many forms, such as regulations, orders, and rules.
COSLs are important because they help to ensure that subordinate legislation is consistent with the law and that it is not unduly burdensome on the public. They also provide a forum for public input into the development of subordinate legislation.
In the United Kingdom, the COSL is a select committee of the House of Commons. It is responsible for examining all subordinate legislation made by the government. The COSL has the power to hold hearings, to take evidence from witnesses, and to publish reports.
The COSL’s reports are often critical of the government’s use of subordinate legislation. In recent years, the COSL has raised concerns about the use of delegated powers, the lack of transparency in the development of subordinate legislation, and the impact of subordinate legislation on businesses and individuals.
The COSL’s work is important in ensuring that the government does not abuse its power to make subordinate legislation. The COSL helps to ensure that subordinate legislation is accountable to Parliament and to the public.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a Committee on Subordinate Legislation?
A Committee on Subordinate Legislation (COSL) is a parliamentary committee that examines and reports on subordinate legislation. Subordinate legislation is law that is made by the executive branch of government, rather than by the legislature. It can take many forms, such as regulations, orders, and rules.
- What are the functions of a COSL?
The functions of a COSL include:
- Examining subordinate legislation to ensure that it is consistent with the law and that it is not unduly burdensome on the public.
- Providing a forum for public input into the development of subordinate legislation.
- Making recommendations to the government on how to improve the process of making subordinate legislation.
- How does a COSL operate?
A COSL typically meets once a month to discuss the subordinate legislation that it has been asked to examine. The COSL may also hold hearings to take evidence from witnesses. After it has considered the subordinate legislation, the COSL will publish a report with its findings and recommendations.
- What are the powers of a COSL?
The powers of a COSL vary from country to country. In some countries, COSLs have the power to hold hearings, to take evidence from witnesses, and to publish reports. In other countries, COSLs have more limited powers.
- What are the challenges faced by COSLs?
COSLs face a number of challenges, including:
- The volume of subordinate legislation that they have to examine.
- The complexity of subordinate legislation.
- The lack of resources available to COSLs.
- The lack of public awareness of COSLs.
MCQs
- Which of the following is not a function of a Committee on Subordinate Legislation?
(a) Examining subordinate legislation to ensure that it is consistent with the law.
(b) Providing a forum for public input into the development of subordinate legislation.
(c) Making recommendations to the government on how to improve the process of making subordinate legislation.
(d) Approving subordinate legislation.
- Which of the following is not a power of a Committee on Subordinate Legislation?
(a) Holding hearings.
(b) Taking evidence from witnesses.
(c) Publishing reports.
(d) Approving subordinate legislation.
- Which of the following is a challenge faced by Committees on Subordinate Legislation?
(a) The volume of subordinate legislation that they have to examine.
(b) The complexity of subordinate legislation.
(c) The lack of resources available to COSLs.
(d) All of the above.