The commissioner, or a representative committee of interested carriers which the commissioner may from time to time appoint, or both, may investigate and defend before the Workmen's Compensation Board or any court, any and all claims for compensation against an employer insured by an insolvent carrier, or against an insolvent carrier, and may prosecute any pending appeal from, or may appeal from, or make application for modification, recision or review of any agreement, award or decision against any such employer or carrier. Until all such claims for compensation are closed and all awards are paid, the commissioner, as administrator of the funds, shall be a party in interest in respect to all such claims, agreements and awards. For the purposes of this section, the commissioner shall have exclusive power to select and employ such clerks and assistants as may be deemed necessary, and to fix and determine their powers and duties.