§ 6. Mr. Wootton-Daviesasked the Minister of Fuel and Power, whether he is aware that mining engineers to be appointed as colliery inspectors are to be paid between £400 and £550 per annum, depending upon their qualifications, while the new medical inspectors at collieries are to be paid at the rate of £1,000 per annum; and whether, in view of the fact that mining engineers are skilled technicians and to attract the best quality of men to this work, he will review the salary scale to be offered with a view to substantial improvement?
Major Lloyd GeorgeMy hon. Friend's Question appears to be based on a misapprehension. The salary paid to a junior temporary inspector cannot be compared with that paid to a mines medical officer, whose responsibilities extend over a whole Region. The scale of salaries in the Mines Inspectorate does not compare unfavourably with that adopted for the Mines Medical Service.
§ Mr. James GriffithsIs the Minister satisfied that this very low income scale would, and does, attract the best type of man to the Mines Inspectorate?
Major Lloyd GeorgeAs the hon. Member probably knows, these are temporary appointments, and they are in the lowest grade referred to in the Question, but the salaries beyond that are, of course, very much higher. It is certainly my wish, at any rate, that financial things should not stand in the way of the very best men becoming available for this industry.