§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what criterion his Department has employed to select the 21 new district health authority chairmen and to reappoint the other district health authority chairman;
(2) if he will state the criterion his Department employs when deciding to replace district health authority chairmen.
§ Mrs. CurrieIn considering these important posts, we seek to appoint people of the highest calibre. We take account of a wide variety of factors, such as personal qualities, knowledge of the NHS, management or other relevant experience and age. The majority of chairmen not reappointed had indicated previously that they did not wish to be considered for a further term. Some were not reappointed on age grounds. It is also necessary to bring in some new people to provide fresh insights. The decisions not to reappoint some chairmen in no way reflects on them personally.