Tony WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Health 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. [158106]
§ Ms StuartWe are committed to equality of opportunity and to increasing the diversity of those appointed to public bodies. There are no age limits for public appointments to National Health Service trusts, health authorities, primary care trusts, special health authorities or Department of Health executive and advisory non-departmental public bodies. Currently the youngest board member is aged 26, and the oldest 86.
Appointments to the Mental Health Review Tribunal, the National Health Service Tribunal, the Protection of Children Act Tribunal and the Registered Homes Tribunal are subject normally to a lower age limit of 35 and an upper age limit of 62. The age limits are applied flexibly and are based on advice from the Lord Chancellor. They are made clear in any advertisements for such posts. The lower age limit is intended to give the public the confidence that those appointed have sufficient experience and maturity to fill the different roles involved appropriately.