§ 67. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that Professor D. McEwan has resigned from the position of medical referee on workmen's compensation cases in the Sheriff Court, Dundee, and that there has been great difficulty in filling the position, thereby causing hardship to many workmen who are unable to have their cases disposed of in the absence of a medical referee; and if he can take any steps to expedite an appointment?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. There has been some delay in this case, but the vacancy has now been filled. No complaint has been received at the Home Office, and I know of no reason why the workmen should have suffered any hardship, as there are two other referees for the Sheriffdom whose services were available. Moreover, in any case where the referees on the panel are unable to act, I am always ready to make an ad hoc appointment.