HC Deb 04 August 1897 vol 52 cc375-6
MR. C. E. SCHWANN (Manchester, N.)

drew the attention of the Home Secretary to the necessity of reappointing a head woman inspector of factories. The office was vacant, and the question of filling it was of great interest among the women and children employed in factories and workshops in Lancashire and Yorkshire. He trusted that the lady appointed to the position would have all the powers of the late holder of it. That lady was appointed by Mr. Asquith when he was Home Secretary, and her work had been attended with great success. It was therefor most important that her work should be continued by another lady inspector.

SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEY

said the question chiefly engaging the attention of the Home Office was not whether the vacancy should be filled up, but whether the lady appointed should hold it under the same or some other title. Certain technical reasons connected with administration had to be considered. Whether the title was changed or not, there was no desire to diminish the powers which the holder of the office should exercise. ["Hear, hear!"]

Bill read a Second time, and committed for To-morrow.