Using relevant examples, critically assess the extent to which existing procedures enable Parliament to obtain an explanation of ministerial departmental conduct and if necessary force remedial action.

Scrutiny of the government and administration is done by; parliamentary questions, debates, select committees, national finance and scrutiny of the legislative function through standing committees. The overlap of the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary defines the lack of a separation of powers in the United Kingdom.  It is imperative in a democracy for the executive to be accountable to Parliament. This ensures the power balance is monitored and the rule of law is observed fairly. The term ministerial departmental conduct encompasses the actions of both Ministers and their civil servants.  It is thus pertinent to delineate the Governments distinction between ministers accountability and responsibility to Parliament. After reading myriad interpretations of…(short extract)