The TV Guide to Parliament

The House of Commons has been televised since November 1989, yet the workings of Parliament still remain a mystery to the vast majority of people - including many who earn their living within the Palace itself. Who chooses the questions for Prime Minister's Question Time? How does a Bill progress through Parliament? What role does a Select Committee play? How much power do the Whips actually wield? As the Commons appear as a constant spectacle on our television screens, it is important that we understand events within Westminster. Sometimes these are dramatic, sometimes entertaining, occasionally downright farcical, but Parliamentary procedure defines the power that can be exercised by members of Parliament, and holds the key to our understanding of government and politics. Sue Cameron, former Political Editor of "Today" newspaper and now Presenter of Channel 4's The Parliament Programme, wrote this guide to Parliament that gives explanations, comment and historical analysis of every procedure executed from within Westminster, Whitehall and Number Ten Downing Street.