§ MR. BROADHURST (Nottingham, W.)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether it is true that there are two vacancies in the staff of Factory and Workshop Inspectors; and, if so, whether one vacancy has been open for some months; and, whether, seeing the strong evidence before the Select Committee on the Sweating System of the necessity for increased inspection of factories and workshops, the Government will fill the vacancies without further delay?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)There is at present only one vacancy in the Factory Inspectors' Department, a vacancy which recently occurred having been filled up by an Inspector who was redundant on the staff. The other vacancy has been open for some months, for this reason. I nominated a gentle- 440 man who seemed to me to be well qualified, as he had practical experience in factory work. For reasons which I need not detail to the House, but which do not alter my opinion as to his fitness, he was unable to satisfy all the requirements of the new scheme of examination which was settled by my Predecessor. I hope, however, that in a short time he will be able to satisfy the Civil Service Commissioners, and the vacancy will be filled.