§ 39. Mr. Tom Brownasked the Minister of National Insurance if he will invite nominations from the British Federation of Old Age Pensioners to sit on the local advisory committees now in the process of being appointed.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsAs my hon Friend has already been informed, membership of the committees will include persons appointed after consultation with organisations of employers and workers, local authorities and friendly societies. The remainder will be persons with special local knowledge or experience likely to be of value. I am satisfied that the committees as constituted will be fully competent to watch over the interests of old people.
§ Mr. BrownWill my right hon. Friend say precisely whether this organisation, which has the interests of two million people at heart, will be given an opportunity to be represented on these very important committees?
§ Mr. GriffithsI have given representation to certain permanent organisations I have named, but I do not think I could go beyond that and include any other organisations.
§ Mr. BrownIs not this permanent organisation entitled, in this democratic age, to have representation on committees which will determine the destiny of the people they represent?
§ Mr. GriffithsI cannot admit the claim of any such organisation to exclusive representation of aged people.