§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to remove the age limit of 70 years on membership of(a) community health councils, (b) jury service and (c) other similar bodies; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThe age limit of 70 for appointment to community health councils is a recommendation of the Department of Health, not a requirement. Active participation in CHC affairs can be both time-consuming and taxing, and those appointing members must ensure that the individuals appointed can remain active and committed without detriment to themselves or the work of the CHC, during their term of office.
The upper age limit for jury service was increased from 65 to 70 in 1988. We have no current plans to make further changes.
Age limits for appointment to other bodies will depend on the nature of the tasks carried out by those bodies.