Tony WrightTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what age limit is placed on appointments to public bodies in his Department; if this limit is mentioned in advertisements for such posts; and what the basis for this limit is. [158114]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThere are no upper or lower age limits for appointments to public bodies of the Chancellor's departments. Appointments are made on merit by matching the abilities, experience and qualities of applicants with the needs of the bodies concerned. The Chancellor's departments have set plans with goals and objectives for increasing the representation of under-represented groups on public bodies as part of the Government's commitment to equality of opportunity and to increasing the diversity of those appointed to public bodies.