§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what statutory requirement or other obligation is placed upon the Social Security Advisory Committee to advise Ministers of the possible legal implications of proposals referred to it by Ministers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottUnder section 174 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992, the Social Security Advisory Committee is required to consider any proposals to make regulations referred to it by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and to make a report to him containing recommendations with regard to the subject matter of the proposals as the committee thinks appropriate. Legal advice of proposed regulations is provided by the Department's lawyers.