§ 55. Mr. Thornton-Kemsleyasked the Minister of Food how many additional food enforcement inspectors will be required, and at what annual cost, to replace the part-time inspectors previously made available by local authorities who have now been released.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe number of full-time enforcement inspectors required is about half the number of part-time inspectors whom they are replacing. The overall cost will be about the same.
§ Mr. Thornton-KemsleyIs it not unwise to dispense with the services of these local inspectors of weights and measures who, because of their local knowledge, have been of great service during the war and up to now?
§ Dr. SummerskillOur experience convinces us that a full-time inspector is more efficient.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltAre these enforcement officers employed on a temporary basis?
§ Dr. SummerskillThat is the whole point of the Question. They are full-time officers.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltAre they on a temporary basis?
§ Dr. SummerskillNo, Sir.
§ Mrs. MiddletonWill the Parliamentary Secretary make a serious attempt to see how far the work of these food enforcement officers can be integrated with that of inspectors of weights and measures, especially in urban areas, and so save manpower by getting rid of unnecessary duplication?
§ Dr. SummerskillThose are two different questions. The part-time people we were employing dealt with weights and measures, and they will continue to do so, but this is a full-time man employed by our Department.