§ Dr. Winstanleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the average age of the members of the supplementary benefits appeals 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;
(2) what is the average age of the members of the Medical Appeals Tribunal; what are the ages of the youngest and the oldest members of the tribunal, respectively; and what provision exists for the removal of members from the tribunal on grounds of age or incapacity;
(3) what is the average age of the members of local National Insurance tribunals; what are the ages of the youngest and oldest members of the tribunals, respectively; and what provision exists for the removal of members from the tribunals on grounds of age or incapacity.
§ Mr. CrossmanThe average age of the members of the 13 medical appeal 221W tribunals is 60 years and 6 months; the age of the youngest member is 37 and of the oldest member 71. Corresponding information is not available in respect of the several thousand members of National Insurance local tribunals and supplementary benefit appeals tribunals.
The panels of persons, from whom chairmen of these tribunals are selected, are appointed by the Lord Chancellor or Lord President of the Court of Session, whose practice is not to extend appointments beyond the 72nd birthday. I am responsible for the appointment of the other members of the tribunals and pursue a similar policy. Tribunals are reconstituted and the membership reviewed regularly, normally at three-yearly intervals. If at any time between reconstitutions a tribunal member becomes unfit to hold office the appointment is terminated by the Lord Chancellor or Lord President of the Court of Session, or with their consent.