§ 17. Mr. Kellyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that at a recent inquest on a man who was killed whilst testing a switchboard it was revealed that, there were only five electrical factory inspectors for the whole country; and whether it is proposed to augment this number?
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir Samuel Hoare)No, Sir. There are nine electrical inspectors working under His Majesty's Senior Electrical Inspector of Factories, and the inspection of electrical apparatus in factories also forms part of the duties of the general staff of factory inspectors. The strength of the inspectorate will be reviewed in the light of the provisions of the Factories Bill as finally settled.
§ Mr. KellyIn view of the evidence given at the inquest, and in view of the great demands there are for inspection in this respect, will the right hon. Gentleman consider having a much greater in- 2129 crease in the staff even than is proposed in the Factories Bill?
§ Sir S. HoareThe hon. Member will recollect that I stated specifically that we contemplate a substantial increase in the inspectorate.
§ Mr. KellyI understand the answer to relate to the general run of factory inspectors, but I am asking for a greater increase in those engaged in inspecting electrical apparatus.
§ Sir S. HoareWhat I said covered an increase in the whole inspectorate.