§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why he has reappointed only nine of the 14 members of the Commission for Racial Equality; and what are his reasons for not reappointing each of the remaining five members.
§ Mr. RaisonIt is usual to make changes on a regular basis in the membership of statutory bodies such as the Commission for Racial Equality and we consider the commission's work should be guided by members with experience in many walks of life. There have been only two changes in the composition of the commission since it was first appointed in 1977 and my right hon. Friend decided that the time had come to introduce more new members.
We regret that this decision has been interpreted by some people as a criticism of the contribution made by the retiring members. The Government are grateful to them for the time and effort they have given to the work of the commission in the last three years.