HC Deb 03 July 1916 vol 83 cc1205-6
33. Mr. DUNCAN MILLAR

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps have been taken to maintain a sufficient staff of mine inspectors during the War, having regard to the number of members of the staff who have joined His Majesty's Forces?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Brace)

In view of the importance of the services performed by the mines inspectors, the Home Office has been careful to see that the staff of the inspectorate should not be unduly depleted. Fifteen out of the 79 inspectors have joined the forces since the outbreak of war, one of whom has now returned to the depart- ment, but the work of the department has been zealously and effectively carried on by the rest of the staff.

Mr. MILLAR

Could the hon. Gentleman state the number of inspectors and sub-inspectors in Scotland at the present time?

Mr. BRACE

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice of that question.