§ 26. Mr. A. Edward Daviesasked the Minister of Labour how far the present factory inspectorate falls below the proper establishment; what is the commencing salary; and whether he is satisfied that the conditions are good enough to attract the right type of candidate in sufficient numbers to maintain 14 an adequate supervision of industrial undertakings.
§ Mr. IsaacsThere are at present 51 vacancies on the establishment of the factory inspectorate. Commencing salaries vary according to age, area and qualifications. I will send my hon. Friend details of the rates of pay. Steps are being taken to bring the attractions of a career in the inspectorate more widely to notice. I am not satisfied that it is necessary at present to vary the conditions of employment.
§ Mr. Edward DaviesIs this not a difficulty of long standing, which would seem to show that there is something wrong with the conditions, and will my right hon. Friend have them looked at again?
§ Mr. IsaacsNo, Sir. I have looked at these conditions, and they comply with the general Civil Service conditions for comparable ranks. The manning of the inspectorate has been more difficult since the war than before.