Paragraph 6

Not less than six months before the date on which the members of the Council for the time being chosen to represent registered opticians are due to retire the Council shall appoint a Returning Officer for the election of persons to represent registered opticians in succession to such members and a Deputy Returning Officer entitled to carry out the functions of the Returning Officer at such times as he is absent or unable to act. Any person (including the Registrar of the Council) except a member of the Council shall be eligible to be appointed as Returning Officer or Deputy Returning Officer.

A Returning Officer or Deputy Returning Officer appointed under this Scheme shall cease to hold office when the election for which he is appointed (including any further election held under paragraph 23 of this Scheme) has been completed, and if he should previously resign his office or die or be unable to act the Council may appoint another person in his place.

The Returning Officer may appoint persons to assist him in the conduct of the election for which he is appointed.