STANDING COMMITTEES
At one time, almost all Bills were considered by a 
'Committee of the Whole House' - on the floor of the 
Commons. Lack of time has now made this impossible, 
and only Bills of extreme urgency or constitutional 
importance, and very straightforward Bills, are dealt 
with in this way. The vast majority are considered by 
Standing Committees of around 15-25 members - though 
larger numbers may sometimes be used.

Despite their name, Standing Committees are not permanent. New members - usually specialists in the Bill's subject - are appointed each time. Membership always roughly reflects the balance of parties in the House, and include at least one government minister. The Chairman of the committee (who only votes when there is a tie) is selected by the Speaker from a panel of potential chairmen.