§ 3. Viscount SANDONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether factory inspectors ever notify in advance their intention to make visits to a factory; and, if so, whether this practice will be discontinued?
The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Vivian Henderson)I have observed in the Press that misleading statements have been made recently in regard to the practice of the Department in this matter, and I am grateful to my hon. and noble Friend for this opportunity of explaining the position again. The general rule enjoined on the Factory Inspectors is that their visits are to be surprise visits. Exceptionally an Inspector may give notice beforehand, if this is necessary for the purposes of the particular visit, as, for example, when he 1883 wishes to meet a particular person at the factory or to see a particular plant in operation; but in general visits are paid without notice.