The constitution after Scott

the long version

The Scott Report was the most important constitutional event of the long Conservative period in office. This book offers a full analysis of what the Report means for the future of constitutional government, and for constitutional reform, in Britain. Issues of lying to Parliament and ministerial responsibility; of the control of the civil service; and of freedom of information are all reappraised in the light of the malaise which Scott uncovered. Central questions of secret intelligence and the troublesome "public interest immunity certificates" are also considered, as are (for the first time in Britain) the American aspects of the story. This book is essential reading for all students of the British constitution or of British Government.