Charles Clarke and Michael Howard to give evidence on the accountability of civil servants

The Committee will question the former ministers on:

• Whether the convention of individual ministerial responsibility is still the appropriate method of holding the government to account.
• When and how it might be appropriate for civil servants to be directly accountable to Parliament.
• Whether ministers should have any influence on civil service appointments and disciplinary procedures against civil servants, including dismissal. 
• The role of special advisors and how ministers can be held accountable for their behaviour.

The evidence session will take place at 10.15am, on Wednesday 13 June in Committee Room 1 of the House of Lords.