§ 4. Mr. BASIL PETOasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received any representations adverse to the present practice of inspection of factories where only men are employed by women inspectors; and whether, in view of the objection to this practice both on the part of employers and workmen, he can arrange that this practice is discontinued in future?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)Some, but not many, representations of this nature have reached me from employers, and I should like to inform my hon. Friend that in March of this year I issued directions to the Factory Department that generally speaking industries of a heavy nature should be inspected by men only; similarly that certain kinds of work in connection with women's employment should be left to the women inspectors. I am always prepared to consider special eases, and if my hon. Friend will communicate with me as to any particular case, I will endeavour, if it can be done without detriment to the service, to fall in with his wishes.