HC Deb 21 March 1887 vol 312 cc819-20
MR. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether, considering the limited number of Inspectors in Ireland under the Factory and Workshops Acts, and their consequent inadequate administration, he will appoint an additional number of practical men as Factory and Workshop Inspectors?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)

I have consulted the Chief Inspector on this matter, and he informs me that he is not of opinion that the number of Inspectors in Ireland is too limited, or that the Acts are inadequately administered. There are, unfortunately, few industries requiring inspection in the South and West of Ireland, and complaints as to evasion of the Acts in those districts are very rare. The Inspectors resident in Ireland will receive occasional assistance from England; but I have no intention to add to the existing number of Factory Inspectors.