§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland in which of the sheriffdoms of Lanarkshire, the Lothians, Angus, Aberdeen and Renfrewshire ophthalmologists and dermatologists, respectively, have been appointed as medical referees in cases under the Workmen's Compensation Acts; and whether he has any statement to make regarding sheriffdoms in which no such appointments have been made?
§ Mr. PeakeOphthalmologists have been appointed as medical referees under the Act for the sheriffdoms of Lanark, Lothians and Peebles, and Renfrew. Medical referees to deal specially with cases of scheduled diseases (including dermatitis) have been appointed for the sheriffdoms of Lanark and Renfrew. My right hon. Friend appreciates that it may be desir- 435W able to strengthen the panels of medical referees in these and other areas by more extensive appointments of specialists, and he will be very glad to consider representations in regard to any particular area; but experience shows that it is extremely difficult to secure the services of suitable specialists as referees under present conditions.