select committee

American  

noun

1. a committee, as of a legislative body, that is formed to examine and report on a specific bill or issue.

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select committee British  

noun

1. (in Britain) a small committee composed of members of parliament, set up by either House of Parliament to investigate and report back on a specified matter of interest

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Etymology

Origin of select committee

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Example Sentences

In theory select committees - cross-party groups of MPs covering specific policy areas - have the power to force witnesses to attend a session to answer questions.

From BBC

Since the beginning of the year, she has organized two select committee hearings under the general banner of “housing construction innovation.”

From Los Angeles Times

Born David Triesman in London, he joined Blair's government as Foreign Office minister in 2004, and sat on several prominent select committees, holding an active role in House of Lords until his death.

From BBC

Patterson has played a prominent role in Fujitsu's response to the Horizon scandal, representing the company at the public inquiry into the affair, and at House of Commons select committee hearings.

From BBC

Earlier this month, West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford was called to give evidence to the home affairs select committee for a second time.

From BBC

Related Words

• panel