Tony WrightTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what age limit is placed on appointments to public bodies in his Department; if this limit is mentioned in advertisements for such posts; and what the basis for this limit is. [158129]
§ Ms QuinThis Government are committed to equality of opportunity and to increasing the diversity of those appointed to public bodies. In support of this, the Department has drawn up an action plan for increasing the numbers of public appointees from under-represented groups. The latest plans, together with the Government's overall plan, were published on 24 May 2000 in "Quangos: Opening up Public Appointments 2000–03", copies of which are in the Libraries of the House.
No MAFF public appointments falling within the remit of the Commissioner for Public Appointments have age limits applied. The Dairy Produce Quota Tribunal, dormant since 1994, also has no age limits.
In addition, there are seven MAFF Agricultural Land Tribunals, which must abide by the statutory provisions set out in section 73 of the Agriculture Act 1947. The chairmen and deputy chairmen, appointed by the Lord Chancellor, must be banisters or solicitors of at least seven years standing. The statutory age limit is 72 for chairmen. Serving panel members retire at 70, but those appointed after 12 May 2000 must retire at 65. My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor also appoints the Plant Varieties and Seeds Tribunal chairman, who similarly must be a barrister or solicitor of at least seven years standing. The retirement age for the chairman and lay members of this tribunal is 70. The Plant Varieties and Seeds Tribunal has not been convened since 1984. The age limit for these posts is advertised. Appointments are initially for 12 months, with renewal thereafter at the Lord Chancellor's discretion.