35. Dr. Hillasked the Minister of Labour the full establishment strength of His Majesty's Inspectorate of Factories; the exact number of inspectors actually engaged in England, Scotland and Wales in inspection now, disregarding any inspectors seconded to or engaged in other work; the number of competitions for new entrants held this year, and the number appointed and in the job as a result of those competitions; and the losses this year, in terms of resignations, retirements and deaths.
§ Mr. BevanThe figures required by the hon. Member are: Full establishment strength, 379; number of inspectors actually engaged on inspection, 305. There were three competitions between December, 1949, and December, 1950. Number of inspectors appointed and working from the first two competitions, 15. The result of the Autumn, 1950, competition is still awaited. Wastages in 1950 were: 11 resignations; 7 retirements; 2 deaths.
Dr. HillBearing in mind that the shortage of inspectors is some 74 in a total establishment of 379, will the Minister, as a matter of urgency, consider 18 what steps should be taken to recruit suitable persons to this important branch of work?