HC Deb 14 June 1955 vol 542 cc396-8
4. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has taken note of the official statement made by his Chief Inspector of Factories, that the cure of industrial ill-health had to come from the engineer, the chemist and the physicist after the doctors had declared where the danger lay; and whether he will recruit a greater proportion of such technically trained men and women for the Factory Inspectorate than he has been able to get hitherto.

Mr. Watkinson

Yes, Sir. This is one reason why the organisation of the Factory Inspectorate includes technical branches staffed by engineers, chemists and physicists as well as a medical branch. As regards the point raised in the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to my replies to his Questions on 15th March.

Dr. Stross

But does the Parliamentary Secretary still accept that the reason he has not got as many of these trained people in the Inspectorate as he would like is that the salary scale is not adequate and does not attract them sufficiently?

Mr. Watkinson

I think the answer to that is contained in the replies to the two Questions of the hon. Member which follow.

5. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Labour how many factory inspectors were appointed following the advertisement of vacancies in March, 1954, and November, 1954, respectively; how many of those appointed hold university degrees in engineering, chemistry and physics; and how many have had more than 12 months industrial experience before being appointed.

Mr. Watkinson

Eight and four, respectively, and there are two candidates from the later competition who have still to take up their appointments. Of those appointed from the earlier competition, one has a degree in chemistry and one in physics, and both these have had more than 12 months industrial experience; of those from the later competition, one has a degree in physics and has had more than 12 months' industrial experience.

Dr. Stross

Does the Parliamentary Secretary remember that in November last, when we had an Adjournment debate on this subject, he said that the aim was to get one for one—one arts graduate for one trained person? Does not his answer today show that, as yet, his Department has not succeeded? May I ask him if he will now accept what I said? Is it not a fact that the salary scale does not attract these men? Why does not the Parliamentary Secretary speak to the Treasury more forcefully?

Mr. Watkinson

I am not trying to dodge the issue. In any case it arises again in the next Question. My answer shows that we are trying to attract technically trained graduates.

6. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Labour when he received a claim in 1954 for an increase in the pay of Class 2 factory inspectors; and whether he has yet made an offer in satisfaction of this claim, and at what date.

Mr. Watkinson

A claim was received on 7th July. No offer has been made but, following other correspondence, a considered reply was sent to the Association concerned on 13th October. This was followed by a meeting with the Association on 8th November last. The matter is still under consideration, but is being pursued as quickly as possible.

Dr. Stross

Is not this a very serious matter? Nearly a year has passed. This is the entrance grade that we are talking about, the most important level of all for recruitment, and we find that a year has passed and nothing really has been done. Will not the Parliamentary Secretary give us some assurance that he and his right hon. Friend will set an example, as they really must do in these matters in spite of the machinery, and let us have this claim accepted?

Mr. Watkinson

I hope that I shall not be accused of advocating a new doctrine if I say that I think it unwise for me to comment on a pay claim in my own Department which is still under consideration.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

Will the Minister consider the fact that industrial developments are constantly increasing the importance of the work of the inspectors; that new duties are being added to them and the strain on the existing inspectors is very great, and that it is most desirable to increase their number?

Mr. Watkinson

I quite agree. I am not saying that I am not at one with the hon. Gentleman and his right hon. Friend about the importance of the factory department. At the moment the authorised complement is 309. I accept that perhaps it would be better were it bigger, but there are 296 in post, so we are not very much under strength. We will do our best to get the right people for this most important job.