§ Dr. Winstanleyasked the Attorney-General what is the average age of the members of the mental health review tribunals; what are the ages of the youngest and the oldest members of the tribunals, respectively; and what provision exists for the removal of members from the tribunals on the grounds of age or incapacity.
The Attorney-GeneralThe average age of the members of these tribunals is 57. The youngest is 28 and the oldest 71.
Under paragraph 2 of the First Schedule to the Mental Health Act, 1959 members are appointed by the Lord Chancellor and hold and vacate office under the terms of the instrument under which they are appointed. Members are in practice appointed for three-year terms, and a member is not re-appointed to hold office after the age of 72. Appointments are made subject to the condition that they can be terminated at any time by the Lord Chancellor.