The Scott report: Inquiries,parliamentary accountability and government control in Britain

The Scott inquiry (1996) into arms sales to Iraq sets the scene for important issues of how government and ministers are held to account in the United Kingdom. The article examines in detail the work of the inquiry, the procedures used, the findings of the inquiry and the aftermath. Important constitutional considerations are explained in terms of the role of public interest immunity and in the procedures for fairness at inquiries. Improvements in ministerial responsibility are considered and the value of Parliamentary accountability assessed. The role and functioning of the British civil service is also assessed. The Scott inquiry provides many lessons for democracies in the world. The report provides an important insight into the internal workings of the British government and how administrative responsibility is exercised.