156 THE METHOD OF LEGISLATION.
Law and procedure, and (2) Trade, shipping and manufactures
formed by the House of Commons in 1882.
The English Grand Committees are required to consist
of not less than 60, and not more than 80, members, but in
Canada the standing Committees may consist of any number.
The smaller Committees consist of from 30 to 40 members,
whilst as many as 130 may be on the more important Com-
mittees.
(5) Other (6) Special Committees are often appointed to consider
Special a particular subject, such as trade between different pro-
ees. vinces, criminal law ete! In the Commons these Committees
axcept in special cases’ are, as in England, limited to 15
members, but in the Senate the number is not limited®.
The Commons maintain still the old English rule that
a member opposed to the principle of a bill cannot serve
on a Select Committee to which such bill is referred. The
18th standing order provides—
“It shall always be understood that no member who declares
against the principle or substance of a bill, resolution or matter
50 be committed can be nominated of such committee.”
A member, who merely takes objection to some particu-
lars of the bill, or who opposes the appointment of the
Committee, is not considered as coming within the scope of
the rule?
In England the rule no longer prevails: all that is
required is that the members nominated shall be willing to
serve,
JointCom- (3) Joint Committees are Committees appointed jointly
ans by both Houses. Standing joint Committees are usually
appointed to look after the Library belonging to the
Houses and Government printing. Each House appoints a
Committee on these subiects and authorizes it to confer
L Burinot, p. 430. 2 Com. 8. O. 78, 79. 3 Burinot, p. 430.
i Tex Parl, 829, 331. 5 Burinot, pn. 435. 8 FE. S O 9R8.