§ 31. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Minister of Health what considerations are taken into account in the selection of consultants for merit awards; and whether there is a lower age limit.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. R. H. Turton)Selection is on the advice of the Advisory Committee on Distinction Awards who base their recommendations on professional distinction. There is no lower age limit.
§ Mr. RobinsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the feeling that the Committee which makes these recommendations is apt to equate merit with age? Is he personally satisfied that the 23 arrangements are working well and that younger consultants get a fair share of these awards?
§ Mr. TurtonReplying to the second part of the question, I think this is working reasonably well. Consultants over the age of 70 are not eligible for merit awards. I find that the lowest age at which an award has been given is 33. The average age for A awards is 51 and for B awards 47, which is reasonably satisfactory.