CABINET COMMITTEES & BI-LATERALS

The Cabinet itself meets weekly for one or two hours. Because of the constraints of time, it often functions as a clearing house, confirming proposals and ideas developed elsewhere, rather than discussing each issue in depth in the Cabinet itself. Much of the work of preparing policy papers, etc is devolved to Cabinet committees.

The importance of these committees is that some have argued that the process of Cabinet government itself is affected: according to Geoffrey Howe, there are “... very few discussions of government decisions in full Cabinet”.

This strengthening of the PM’s position was further extended by Margaret Thatcher, who had a preference for informal groups. In these, a minister prepares a policy paper; it is discussed with the PM, policy advisers and appropriate civil servants and a decision arrived at. The Cabinet itself has little or no role in the process.

Tony Blair has continued and extended this approach, with his preference for bi-lateral meetings with ministerial colleagues. This style of “sofa meetings” was criticised by Lord Butler’s committee investigating the run-up to the Iraq war.

The widespread use of Cabinet committees and bi-laterals has been criticised as a limitation on Cabinet government and an enhancement of the PM’s power. A skilful PM can ensure that particular decisions are taken by a small group of trusted ministers, giving little or no chance that it can be debated more widely.

One can conclude that the growth of Cabinet committees and, in particular, bi-laterals have increased the power of the PM at the expense of the rest of the Cabinet.