HC Deb 05 October 1939 vol 351 cc2075-6
48. Mr. Mander

asked the Home Secretary how many factory inspectors are carrying out their normal work at the present time, and how many were doing so three months ago; and whether he will consider the advisability of making additional appointments in view of the many new regulations regarding air-raid precautions and other work?

Sir J. Anderson

The work of the factory inspectors generally is necessarily abnormal in many respects at the present time, though it is still closely related to their normal function of watching and advising on the safety, health and welfare of factory employés. Arrangements were made earlier in the year for the inspectorate to devote much of their time to assisting in the launching of the provisions of the Civil Defence Act as to airraid shelter in factories; but these arrangements are of a temporary character and it is hoped that the work will shortly be completed. As the abnormal work is largely carried out by the inspectorate as part of their day-to-day duties, its extent cannot be measured by the number of personnel engaged in it; but the strength of the inspectorate is being kept under review, and some additional appointments are being made.

Mr. Mander

Would the Home Secretary be good enough to answer the specific question I have put to him, by saying how many factory inspectors are carrying out their normal work at the present time and how many there were three months ago? Surely those figures are easily ascertainable?

Sir J. Anderson

No, Sir; as I have explained, the abnormal work which is being done by factory inspectors at the present time is, to a very largo extent, being taken in their stride, and, therefore, any figures which I might attempt to give would be wholly misleading.

Mr. Ridley

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that factory legislation is being effectively observed in time of war as it would otherwise have been?

Sir J. Anderson

I am doing my best to secure effective observance of the law, but the times are abnormal, and there may be—and I do not say that there are not here and there—relaxations which can be picked up in due course.

Mr. Ridley

May I take it that it is the desire of the right hon. Gentleman to secure effective observance?

Sir J. Anderson

Certainly.