3SSubject to paragraph 8 below, each local authority shall form a body (to be known as a “Children’s Panel Advisory Committee”) consisting of two members nominated by the local authority and three members nominated by the Secretary of State.
4SThe Secretary of State may at the request of the local authority provide for an increase in the membership of the Children’s Panel Advisory Committee appointed under paragraph 3 above by such number, not exceeding five, of additional members as the authority specify in relation to their request, the additional members to be nominated as follows—
(a)the first, and any second or fourth additional member, by the Secretary of State;
(b)any third or fifth additional member, by the local authority.
5SThe chairman of the Children’s Panel Advisory Committee shall be appointed by the Secretary of State from among such of the members he has nominated as are resident in the local government area for which the panel is appointed.
6SIt shall be the duty of the Children’s Panel Advisory Committee—
(a)to submit names of possible panel members to the Secretary of State;
(b)to advise the Secretary of State, in so far as he requires advice, on the suitability of persons referred to him as potential panel members; and
(c)to advise the Secretary of State on such matters relating to the general administration of the panels as he may refer to them.
7SThe Children’s Panel Advisory Committee shall have power—
(a)to appoint sub-committees;
(b)to appoint to any such sub-committee a person who is not a member of the Children’s Panel Advisory Committee; and
(c)to refer all or any of the duties set out in paragraph 6 above to any such sub-committee for their advice.