HC Deb 07 July 1976 vol 914 cc617-20W
Mr. Fitt

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list all the advisory committees reporting to him in Northern Ireland; which committees include a disabled member; if he will encourage those which do not to co-opt a disabled member if they have the power to do so or, if appropriate, appoint one himself; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

, pursuant to the reply [Official Report, 6th July 1976; Vol. 914, c. 515], gave the following information:

The following Advisory Committees in Northern Ireland report to me or my Department.

  • Transport Users Committee
  • Ulster Countryside Committee
  • Nature Reserves Committee
  • Lagan Valley Regional Park Committee Wild Birds Advisory Committee
  • Northern Ireland Water Council
  • Northern Ireland Training Advisory Committee (Water)
  • Industries Development Advisory Committee
  • Northern Ireland Consumer Council
  • NI Electricity Consumers Council
  • NI Trade Statistics Consultative Committee
  • Hotel Grants Advisory Committee
  • Sports Council for Northern Ireland
  • Youth Committee for Northern Ireland
  • Northern Ireland Schools Curriculum Committee
  • Advisory Committee on Optimum Use of Facilities
  • Advisory Boards for Postgraduate Awards
  • Scholarships Advisory Committee
  • Council for Continuing Education
  • Higher Education Co-ordination Advisory Committee

and of the RUC Reserve at the latest available date; and what were the equivalent figures on the same date in each of the last five years.

Mr. Moyle

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report 1st July 1976; Vol. 914, c. 255], gave the following information:

  • Interim Standing Advisory Conference on Community Associations
  • Working Party on Selection Procedure
  • General Agricultural Advisory Committee
  • Agricultural Training Advisory Committee
  • Cattle Improvement Committee
  • Laying Test Advisory Committee
  • Lough Erne Advisory Committee
  • The Water Council
  • The Legal Aid Advisory Committee
  • The Committee on the Criminal Injuries Property Compensation Act (1971)
  • The Committee on the Criminal Injuries to Persons Act (1968)
  • The Police Advisory Board
  • The Northern Ireland Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights
  • The Northern Ireland Health and Social Services Council
  • Advisory Committee on Health Education
  • Central Dental Advisory Committee
  • Central Medical Advisory Committee
  • Central Nursing and Midwifery Advisory Committee
  • Central Personal Social Services Advisory Committee
  • Central Pharmaceutical Advisory Committee
  • Distinction Awards Committee
  • Poisons Boards for Northern Ireland
  • Northern Ireland Medical Manpower Advisory Committee
  • University Medical and Dental Advisory Committee
  • Building Regulations Committee
  • Construction Industry Advisory Council
  • Ulster Savings Committee
  • Vaughans Charity
  • Public Service Training Committee
  • Statute Law Committee
  • Charities Advisory Committee
  • The Economic Council
  • Standing Manpower Committee of the Economic Council
  • Employment Services Management Committee
  • Youth Careers Guidance Committee
  • Northern Ireland Training Council
  • Government Training Centre Advisory Committee
  • Disablement Advisory Committees

There are five disabled members on the Disablement Advisory Committees. The number of disabled people on other committees is not known. I will certainly consider the appointment of disabled persons when suitable vacancies arise.

The Central Appointments Unit for Northern Ireland maintains an index of persons suitable and willing to serve on public bodies and I will be glad to receive names of disabled persons willing to have their names included in this index.