§ 10. Mr. Mikardoasked the Minister of Labour how many vacancies exist in his Department for factory inspectors; and at what rate these vacancies are being filled.
§ Mr. IsaacsThere are at present 51 vacancies on the establishment of the Factory Inspectorate and two open competitions are being held this year with a view to filling them. In the last three years some 90 recruits have been obtained.
§ Mr. MikardoIn view of the importance and value of the work of this branch and the difficulty they are having because the staff is so far below establishment, is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the wages and conditions offered are adequate to attract the right type of people?
§ Mr. IsaacsThere can be no question at all about the importance and value of this work, but we have to work in these matters in line with the established conditions laid down for the Civil Service generally.
§ Mr. A. Edward DaviesWhat percentage is 51 of the total establishment, because it is a very high figure? Does not the Minister agree that a starting salary of £350 a year for a graduate of 21 or 22 is not going to attract the right type of men?
Air-Commodore HarveyDo ex-Service men over 40 years of age get any preference for these appointments?
§ Mr. IsaacsI could not say without notice.