To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the role of the Central Advisory Committee on Pensions and Compensation and the War Pensions Committees in informing the Ministry of Defence of the needs and views of those who have served in the armed forces; and whether they will be continuing to operate in their current role and with their present terms of reference. [HL5256]

The Central Advisory Committee (CAC) on Pensions and Compensation underwent a review in 2008. As a result of the review the CAC was re-focused to deal with occupational service pensions as well as compensation policy issues, and developed to provide a credible and visible consultative mechanism. The CAC stopped dealing with issues of wider concern to veterans and ceased routine involvement in issues of scheme operation and delivery, where more appropriate mechanisms are in place. The membership of the CAC reflects the role of the committee and is representative of those affected by pension and compensation scheme issues.

A review of the role, function and responsibilities of the War Pensions Committee (WPC) is currently under way, and at present the findings of the review are being collated.