New and Notable Titles: A selection of recent publications relating to parliamentary studies prepared with the assistance of the Library of Parliament (December 2022--February 2023).

• Position: Publications

"Comparative Study: Committee powers to assist scrutiny of governments." The Table--The Journal of the Society of Clerks-at-the-Table in Commonwealth Parliaments 90, 2022: 211-48.

* This year's comparative study asked, "What powers do committees scrutinising the work of government for your assembly have to compel information or participation from your government? Have there been any challenges to the operation of such powers? What plans, if any, are there to review or change any such powers?" Armstrong, Emma. "Digital innovation and public engagement at the Scottish parliament." Australasian Parliamentary Review 37 (2), Spring/Summer 2022: 5667.

* This article provides an overview of how the Scottish Parliament's public engagement strategies and use of digital platforms and tools has evolved over time.

Hazell, Robert. "Reforming the royal prerogative." The Constitution Unit, December 8, 2022, 5p. *

* The Brexit process raised questions about how and in what areas--the royal prerogative should operate. Following a lengthy project, which has resulted in a new book on the subject and a Unit report on options for reform, the author explains why the prerogative matters, and how it might be reformed to strike a better balance between parliament and the executive. LeBlanc, Jeffrey. "Electronic voting in Canada's House of Commons." The Table--The Journal of the Society of Clerks-at-the-Table in Commonwealth Parliaments 90, 2022: 56-60,.

* The possibility of electronic voting has been discussed in the House of Commons of Canada for many years. As early as 1959, members made suggestions for systems that would allow them to cast votes electronically. In 1985, when many reforms were made to House procedure, a special committee recommended that the House adopt computerised electronic voting. This recommendation was not taken up, and in 2003, another special committee made a similar recommendation. Some electronic infrastructure was installed in the summer of 2004, but no further action was taken. Votes continued to be taken in the traditional manner, with members rising in their places and having their names called by a Table Officer. The COVID-19 pandemic brought the issue to the top of the agenda in 2020. Price, Peter. "Virtual parliaments in Canada: pandemic responses or permanent solution?" Australasian Parliamentary Review 37 (2), Spring/ Summer 2022: 47-55.

* This article gives a brief survey of the adoption of virtual parliamentary proceedings in...