Written question asked by Countess of Mar (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Sainsbury of Turville (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 June 2006.

Scientific Advisory Committees

Question: Whether there is an official retirement age for members of their scientific advisory committees; and whether there are any constraints on the length of time that members serve on one particular committee or on scientific advisory committees in general.

Answer: There is no official retirement age for members of scientific advisory committees, which are classed as non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs). There are, however, constraints on the total length of time that members can serve on one particular NDPB. Guidance from the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments states that the number of terms an individual may serve and the conditions for reappointment may vary, but the maximum period in office must not normally exceed 10 years on the same board. Please see www.ocpa.gov.uk for further details.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 6180; 683 c21WA
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Age Public appointments Non-departmental public bodies Retirement Science
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk