§ 51. Mr. HAYESasked the Home Secretary whether the duties assigned to factory inspectors' assistants differ from those of inspectors; whether the present arrangement permits of two or more officers visiting factories and workshops situate within the same locality or the same block of buildings; whether assistants are appointed for their practical acquaintance with industrial processes; and, if so, what are the reasons for restricting their inspections to particular classes of workplaces?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The main duty of the assistants is to inspect workshops and thus leave the inspectors more time for the inspection of the more important works. Practical experience of some branch of industrial work has been a necessary qualification for the appointment and assistants who have shown special ability have been promoted to the rank of inspector from time to time. Eleven have been so promoted since the War.