21. Mr. Graham Whiteasked the Home Secretary whether he will state the present number of the permanent staff of His Majesty's inspectors of factories; and how many extra inspectors have been added to deal with the regulations dealing with hours for women and young persons which have been brought into force since the outbreak of war?
§ Sir J. AndersonIt would not be satisfactory to appoint temporary inspectors to deal with particular questions such as the hours of work of women and young persons. The only satisfactory method is to recruit inspectors to deal with all the matters arising under the Factories Act. The number of recruits who can be added is limited by the rate at which newcomers can be trained by the existing staff. Recruiting has been proceeding as rapidly as possible; and, despite the withdrawal of inspectors to serve with the Forces and to assist other departments, the number of inspectors is slightly higher than at the outbreak of war. The number now is 297, and it is hoped to add another 10 or 12 inspectors at an early date.
§ Mr. ThorneIn consequence of so much work being done by the permanent inspectors will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of giving more power to local inspectors so that they can inspect under the Factory Acts?
§ Sir J. AndersonI am not quite sure that I understand what the right hon. Gentleman means by local inspectors. There has been a considerable delegation of power.
§ Mr. ThorneIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that sanitary inspectors, for instance, have no right to enter factories and operate under the name of a factory inspector?
§ Sir J. AndersonThese people have their own work to perform, and as I have pointed out it is not satisfactory to entrust technical work to those not properly trained and instructed.