§ 9. Mr. Simmonsasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance when the Minister's Central Advisory Committee on War Pensions last met; and when the next meeting is contemplated.
§ Mr. PeakeThe Committee last met on 21st October, 1953. I propose to arrange another meeting as soon as any subject arises on which I feel I would wish to have the Committee's advice, but I cannot foresee when that will be.
§ Mr. SimmonsMay I ask the Minister whether that committee is to be allowed to become a moribund institution? Is he aware that under the Labour Government it met every two months? Surely the problems of the disabled war pensioners are as great now as they were then?
§ Mr. PeakeIt is certainly not my intention that this Committee should become a moribund body, but I would point out that I have had no suggestions from any member of the Committee of any suitable topics for discussion at the committee, and I would also point out that in my view it is rather stupid to call a committee together from all over the country unless there are some useful topics for discussion.
§ Mr. SimmonsDoes the Minister think that the meetings which the committee held during the Labour Government's term of office were stupid meetings? My experience as Parliamentary Secretary was that they did a great deal of good.
§ Mr. PeakeI entirely agree with the hon. Member. In my original answer I have said that as soon as a topic arises upon which the views of the committee would be useful, the committee will be called together as soon as possible.
§ Captain PilkingtonWas it not the case that the previous Government were probably in need of advice?