§ 29. Mr. Malcolm MacPhersonasked the Minister of Labour to what extent the factory inspectorate is at present up to strength.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)There are at present 40 vacancies in the factory inspectorate, and a competition is now in progress with a view to filling these vacancies. The normal annual requirements of new recruits are from 15 to 20.
§ Mr. MacPhersonCan my right hon. Friend say how long these vacancies have existed, and for how long the inspectorate has been short of staff?
§ Mr. IsaacsWe ended the war with a shortage of 80, as recruiting stopped during the war. We have now reduced the shortage to this figure, and we hope to fill up the gaps soon.
§ Mr. PiratinHow many have been recruited during the past year?
§ Mr. IsaacsI cannot say without notice.