HC Deb 23 June 1921 vol 143 cc1547-8
84. Colonel NEWMAN

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can give any approximate total number of school inspectors and of school attendance officers at the present time; are the corresponding numbers for 1914 available; and can he give any percentage figure of the rise in salaries accorded to these education officials since 1914?

Mr. LEWIS

The number of Inspectors under the Board of Education is 361. The number on the corresponding date in 1914 was 379. Taking the average of the substantive salaries of these Inspectors there has been an increase of 15½ per cent. since 1914. I have no information as to the numbers and salaries of school inspectors and school attendance officers in the employment of local education authorities.

Colonel NEWMAN

Is it possible to get the information and give it to me as it is very important?

Mr. LEWIS

I am afraid that it would involve a very large amount of labour, and I doubt whether I should be justified in undertaking it.

Colonel NEWMAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great number of these inspectors of all sorts, and that there is great cost to the rates in consequence?

Lieut.-Colonel NALL

Is it not a question for the local ratepayers to take up with their own authorities?

Mr. LEWIS

In 1914 there were 379 inspectors. At present there are 361.

Mr. G. TERRELL

Are not a great many of the duties performed by these inspectors in 1914 now being performed by other inspectors?

Mr. LEWIS

I am not aware that there has been any appreciable lessening of the work done by the inspectors of the Board of Education. On the contrary, I am aware that many of them are overworked at the present time.

Mr. RICHARDSON

Are not very many of the Government inspectors placed in such a position that they can scarcely make both ends meet?