§ Dr. WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what age limits are(a) recommended and (b) required for membership of further education corporations; and for what reasons these age limits have been adopted.
§ Mr. BoswellThe instrument of government, which is set out in regulations—SIs 1992, Nos. 1957 to 1963—prescribes that, with the exception of student members, the minimum age for membership of a further education corporation is 18. This lower age limit reflects the nature of the corporation's responsibilities. A student member under the age of 18 is precluded from voting on any question concerning proposals for the expenditure of money or for entering into any contract. The instrument of government prescribes a maximum age of 70 for appointment as a member of a corporation, with the exception of any member who was an initial member of the corporation or any member who is appointed by the Secretary of State or where the corporation itself determines by an absolute majority that a person over 70 should be appointed. The upper age limit was included at the request of colleges who were keen to draw on the experience of those with current or recent involvement in business, industry and the professions.