Social Security Advisory Committee

HC Deb 27 January 1986 vol 90 cc389-90W

Mr. Rhodes James

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what criteria he makes appointments to the Social Security Advisory Committee.

Mr. Newton

Members are appointed to the Social Security Advisory Committee for the expertise and experience which they can bring to the fulfilment of the committee's role of tendering advice and assistance on social security and housing benefit matters to my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Social Services and for Northern Ireland. In accordance with the requirements of schedule 3 to the Social Security Act 1980 one member is appointed after consultation with organisations representative of employers, one after consultation with organisations representative of workers, and one after consultation with the head of the Department of Health and Social Services for Northern Ireland. In addition, at least one member must have experience of work among and the needs of the chronically sick and disabled and this member should if possible be a chronically sick or disabled person.