HC Deb 21 January 1947 vol 432 c11
9. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister of Labour what consideration has been given since the end of the war to the desirability of returning the factory inspectorate to the Home Department; and with what result.

Mr. Isaacs

As I indicated in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for East Bradford (Mr. McLeavy) on 7th February last, the Government came to the conclusion that the administration of the Factory Acts should remain with the Ministry of Labour on a permanent basis. An Order in Council under the Ministers of the Crown (Transfer of Functions) Act, 1946, transferring the relevant functions from the Home Secretary to the Minister of Labour was made on 20th March, 1946, and came into operation on 1st April.

Mr. Davies

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that it was generally understood, when the transfer was made, that it was for the duration of the emergency only?

Mr. Isaacs

Yes, Sir, but other factors and other reasons came up later on, and they led to the agreement which was made.