MEACHER, Michael Rt Hon

Member for Oldham West and Royton since 1997. Member for Oldham West 1970-97. Committees: Member, Select Committee on the Treasury and Civil Service since 1981; Chair, Subcommittee on Tax and Benefits Policy. Political career: Member of State, Department for Environment, Food and Regional Affairs 2001-03; Minister of State, Environment, Transport and the Regions 1997-2001; Labour Party, Chief Opposition Spokesperson on Environmental Protection 1996-97, on Transport 1994-97, on Public Services and Science 1993-97, on Overseas Development 1992-93, on Social Security 1989-92, on Employment in 1995-96 and 1987-89, on Health and Social Security 1983-87; Member; Labour Party National Executive Committee 1983-88; Member, Shadow Cabinet since 1983; Candidate for the Labour Party Deputy Leadership 1983; Under-Secretary for Trade 1976-79, for Health and Social Security 1975-76, for Industry 1974-75; Parliamentary Candidate for Oldham West 1968 and Colchester 1966; joined Labour Party in 1962; Parliamentary Representative of UNISON. Special political interests: Economic policy, industry and trade policy, reform of machinery of government, reform of media, housing, education, social services. Profession/Trade: Lecturer. Education: Berkhamstead School; New College, Oxford; LSE. Affiliations: UNISON; Member, Fabian Society; Member, Child Poverty Action Group. Hobbies: Sport, reading, music. b. 4 November 1939, Hemel Hempstead. Married with four children.