HC Deb 19 November 1954 vol 533 c728

Lords Amendment: In page 99, leave out lines 13 to 27, and insert: a person or persons selected by the nominated selector (as hereinafter defined) from amongst the members of that one of the panels of persons appointed by the Minister under this section which is appropriate to the circumstances of the case: Provided that, if the said selector is satisfied that special reasons exist which render it expedient for him to act as referee instead of a person or persons selected as aforesaid, he may direct that the notice shall stand referred to him.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

I beg to move, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

The Amendment brings back a very old friend—the question of the reference of a dispute and who shall be the referee. I think that at last we have got it right. At least we sincerely hope so.

Mr. T. Brown

We hope.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

The effect of the provision, which I think will be agreeable to all sides, is that when a dispute arises on a notice from the inspector, it shall be referred automatically by the selector, who will be nominated by my right hon. Friend after consultation with the Lord Chancellor and with the Lord President of the Court of Session in Scotland, to a specific referee. We believe that that is the simplest, speediest and surest way in which the object can possibly be achieved.

Question put, and agreed to.

Subsequent Lords Amendments, to the Amendment in page 101, line 15, agreed to.