§ 60. Mr. BUCHANANasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the number of ships cleared at ports in Great Britain has increased in recent years and that the number of inspectors employed to inspect them has decreased; and if he intends taking any steps to increase the number of inspectors to secure adequate inspection?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)The figures given to the hon. Member on 18th July show that there has been a decrease in the number of surveyors and also, in the last period, in the number of vessels leaving the ports. I do not admit that inspection is inadequate; and 565 I think it is my duty to see that inspection is as economically conducted as is consistent with efficiency.
§ Mr. BUCHANANDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that fewer than 200 inspectors can efficiently inspect all the ships which clear at British ports each year?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERYes, Sir, I do. I am satisfied that the economies which were effected have not reduced the vigilance of the inspectors.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in every other Department dealing with human life, including the Home Office, they are increasing the number of inspectors in order to safeguard human life?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI do not think the efficiency of the inspection is necessarily dependent on the number of people engaged.
§ Mr. HAYESWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether his reply is based upon a reduction in the number of complaints received?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERMy reply is based on the general experience of the Department in carrying out the work.