§ MR. KEIR HARDIE (West Ham, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received a resolution passed by the Belfast Trades Council complaining of the inadequacy of the staff of Inspectors for enforcing the provisions of the Factory Acts; and whether he proposes appointing any Sub-Inspectors from the ranks of duly-qualified men and women who have a practical knowledge of their duties, gained by working in the factories and workshops?
§ MR. ASQUITHYes; I have received the resolution to which the hon. Member refers. I have already nominated 15 additional Inspectors' assistants, besides two female Inspectors, all of 18 whom have, I believe, a practical knowledge of their work.
§ *MR. KEIR HARDIEDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose to place any of the additional Sub-Inspectors in Ireland?
§ MR. ASQUITHYes, Sir.