§ MR. J. DEVLIN (Belfast, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware 869 that the number of females employed as textile workers in Belfast in 189l was 26,617, of whom 8,222 were under twenty years of age; that these numbers have been augmented since 1891; that the total number of females engaged in mills, factories, and warehouses is 50,000 at the present time; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of appointing a resident lady inspector, in order that the health and comfort of these workers should receive constant and adequate attention.
§ MR. GLADSTONEI have not been able to verify the figures for 1891 which are given in the Question, but the number of females employed in textile factories in Belfast in 1904 (which is the latest year for which figures are available) is roughly computed at a little over 23,000, and the number employed in all factories at between thirty and forty thousand. As I have already stated, an additional lady inspector was recently appointed for residence during two-thirds of the year in Ireland. This inspector resides in Belfast and gives special attention to the work of that district. Under this arrangement Belfast receives a full share of the services of the Lady Inspectors' Branch.