§ 63. Mr. GEORGE ROBERTSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the expressions of opinion from insured persons in Lincoln that the person appointed as chairman of the Court of Referees under Part II. of the National Insurance Act is not calculated to be an impartial chairman by virtue of his other activities; and' whether, in view of the advisability of the chairman of the Courts of Referees having the confidence of those concerned, he can take any action to meet the representations made?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Robertson)In making appointments to the 767 chairmanships of Courts of Referees, the Board of Trade carefully investigated the qualifications of candidates, with special reference to the essential need of impartiality. The usual procedure was followed in the case referred to by my hon. Friend, and I am satisfied that there is no good ground for reconsidering the appointment.