Clerk of the Parliaments: Role and Responsibilities in the House of Lords
The Clerk of the Parliaments serves as a central administrative and procedural authority within the House of Lords. Appointed by letters patent—a legal instrument issued by the sovereign—the Clerk is one of the few officials whose appointment and removal are the sole prerogative of the monarch. While the role was historically filled by ecclesiastical figures, the nineteenth century marked a transition toward appointing members of the legal profession.
Key Facts
- Appointed and removed exclusively by the sovereign via letters patent.
- Supported by the Clerk Assistant and the Reading Clerk.
- Responsible for pronouncing royal assent and signing official communications.
- Supervises critical departments including Black Rod's Department and the Committee Office.
- Wears a bench wig, similar to that of a High Court judge, during sittings.
The Table of the House
During sittings, the Clerk of the Parliaments, or another designated clerk, sits at the table of the house in the chamber to call on items of business. Typically, all three table clerks—the Clerk of the Parliaments, the Clerk Assistant, and the Reading Clerk—are present at the start of a session.
The attire for these officials is strictly formal. When at the table, the Clerk wears court dress, consisting of a waistcoat, tail coat, gown, and a wig. Specifically, the Clerk of the Parliaments wears a bench wig (the style used by High Court judges), while other clerks wear barrister's wigs. Male clerks complete the ensemble with a white bow tie and wing collar, whereas female clerks wear bands, as is traditional for barristers.
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Duties and Administrative Oversight
The Clerk's responsibilities extend far beyond the chamber. They provide essential advice on procedure, prepare the minutes of proceedings, and sign all official documents and communications. Additionally, the Clerk is responsible for returning bills to the House of Commons and pronouncing royal assent, the formal method by which a bill becomes an act of Parliament.
The Clerk also oversees several key administrative bodies:
- The Clerk of the Parliaments' Office: The primary administrative hub for the role.
- Black Rod's Department: The office responsible for security within the House of Lords.
- The Committee Office: A department providing legal and procedural guidance to Lords committees.
- The Judicial Office: Formerly supervised by the Clerk until 2009, this office provided assistance to the Law Lords.
Since the nineteenth century, many of these extensive duties have been delegated to deputies and the staff within the Clerk's own office.
Summary of Parliamentary Clerk Roles
| Role | Wig Type | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Clerk of the Parliaments | Bench Wig | Chief administrative officer; pronounces royal assent. |
| Clerk Assistant | Barrister's Wig | Assists in chamber proceedings and business calls. |
| Reading Clerk | Barrister's Wig | Assists in chamber proceedings and business calls. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who appoints the Clerk of the Parliaments?
The Clerk is appointed by the sovereign through letters patent, and the sovereign also holds the sole power to remove them from the position.
What is the difference in dress between the Clerk of the Parliaments and other clerks?
The Clerk of the Parliaments wears a bench wig, which is the same style worn by High Court judges, whereas other clerks wear barrister's wigs.
Which departments does the Clerk of the Parliaments supervise?
The Clerk supervises their own office, Black Rod's Department (security), and the Committee Office (legal and procedural advice). They also supervised the Judicial Office until 2009.
What are the primary procedural duties of the Clerk?
The Clerk provides procedural advice, prepares minutes of proceedings, signs official communications, returns bills to the House of Commons, and pronounces royal assent.
How has the background of appointees changed over time?
Originally, appointees were ecclesiastical figures, but from the nineteenth century onward, there was a shift toward appointing individuals from the legal profession.