§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he takes cognisance of political affiliations when appointing chairmen of regional and area health authorities, or in the case of any other appointments for which he is responsible.
§ Mr. EnnalsI receive recommendations for these appointments from a variety of individuals and organisations, including those with political affiliations. My concern has been to appoint people who are best suited in every respect to undertake their important offices. As the hon. Member will have noted, I have re-appointed nearly two-thirds of the chairmen of area health authorities who were first appointed by the previous Government.
§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the age of each of the newly appointed chairmen of area health authorities; and what were the ages of the retiring chairmen, and of the chairmen who were reappointed.
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§ Mr. EnnalsThe following table shows the age range of newly appointed and re-appointed chairmen and the retiring chairmen:
Age Newly appointed Reappointed Retiring Under 40 years 3 — — 41-50 years 6 9 1 51-60 years 18 22 8 61-65 years 4 23 10 Over 65 years 1 4 13