What powers do parliamentary committees have?
The Constitution, in Article 90 (4), provides that in the exercise of their functions, committees of Parliament;
- May call any Minister or any person holding public office and private individuals to submit memoranda or appear before them to give evidence;
- May co-opt any Member of Parliament or employ qualified persons to assist then in the discharge of their functions;
- Shall have the powers of the High Court for:- enforcing the attendance of witnesses and examining them on oath, affirmation or otherwise; compelling the production of documents;
- Issue a commission or request to examine witnesses abroad.