HC Deb 15 November 1951 vol 493 cc1154-5
36. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the waste of manpower involved by the present system of monthly visits by no fewer than four men to the lesser factories engaged on Government work, to inspect their books or interview their employees; and if he will see that this practice is stopped.

Sir W. Monckton

I am, of course, in sympathy with the purpose of my hon. Friend's Question, but my inquiries into the individual instance of which he sent me particulars do not substantiate his complaint of waste of manpower.

Mr. Bossom

Does my right hon. and learned Friend realise that this same firm has been doing Government work for its entire existence for probably 20 or 30 years, and that it never had such inspection in the past? Now it is getting them at the rate of four a month.

Sir W. Monckton

I inquired whether there was a duplication of any necessary inspection and I was unable to satisfy myself that it had taken place.