§ 14. Sir WILFRID SUGDENasked the Minister of Pensions whether the members of his central advisory committee were appointed for any specific period; and, if so, whether, in the event of further appointments becoming necessary, he contemplates any changes in the composition of the committee?
§ Major TRYONThe present members of the Central Advisory Committee were appointed for the period of a year from the 1st January last, and fresh appointments will, therefore, be necessary after the 1st proximo. While the composition of the Committee is in its main lines laid down by the War Pensions Act, 1921, I have come to the conclusion that the personnel of the Committee is capable of providing a fuller representation than at present of persons acquainted by direct knowledge and experience, as active members of War Pensions Committees, voluntary workers or otherwise, with each of the branches of the work of my Department affecting pensioners, including, for example, the welfare and future of the motherless children for whose maintenance I am at present responsible. The present temporary arrangement, by which a large proportion of the Central Advisory Committee consists of delegates nominated by the eight local Advisory Councils, is not calculated to secure the varied qualifications necessary, and I propose to substitute for this method of appointment one which will more effectively meet the object I have in view.
§ Sir W. SUGDENIn view of the women and children concerned, will my right hon. Friend consider the advisability of appointing women representatives on the Advisory Committee?
§ Major TRYONThe new scheme that was started 18 months ago has not actually provided among the eight representatives of the eight councils any women, and I hope by a better system to secure their valuable assistance, which is especially helpful in view of my responsibilities for the children.