§ 1. Mr. Kellyasked the Minister of Labour the number of inspectors employed on the work of inspection for the operation of the Trade Boards Acts; and the number of works and establishments they have to visit?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown)Sixty-two officers are engaged on inspection. The number of establishments in Trade Board trades is approximately 87,500.
§ Mr. KellyIn view of those figures, will the right hon. Gentleman state how he expects 62 officers to visit all the establishments and see that Trade Board rates and conditions are observed?
§ Mr. BrownLast year about 18,000 were visited, and the wages of 211,000 persons were reviewed. The system has worked very satisfactorily. If the hon. 1346 Gentleman has any difficulties to bring to my notice, I shall be glad to examine them.
§ Mr. KellyHas the right hon. Gentleman given any consideration to increasing the number of inspectors so that there might be less danger of non-observance of Trade Board rates?
§ Mr. BrownThe facts at the moment before me do not justify my taking that view. Of the 211,000 which I mentioned, only about 2.7 per cent. were found to be in receipt of less than Trade Board rates, and they were paid the arrears.
§ Mr. JaggerDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that it takes five years for an inspector to visit every one of these places?