The following section shall be inserted after section 3 of the 1967 Act—

“3A Appointment of acting Commissioner.

(1)

Where the office of Commissioner becomes vacant, Her Majesty may, pending the appointment of a new Commissioner, appoint a person under this section to act as the Commissioner at any time during the period of twelve months beginning with the date on which the vacancy arose.

(2)

A person appointed under this section shall hold office during Her Majesty’s pleasure and, subject to that, shall hold office—

(a)

until the appointment of a new Commissioner or the expiry of the period of twelve months beginning with the date on which the vacancy arose, whichever occurs first; and

(b)

in other respects, in accordance with the terms and conditions of his appointment which shall be such as the Treasury may determine.

(3)

A person appointed under this section shall, while he holds office, be treated for all purposes, except those of section 2 of this Act, as the Commissioner.

(4)

Any salary, pension or other benefit payable by virtue of this section shall be charged on and issued out of the Consolidated Fund.”