§ 42. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied with the recruitment of sanitary inspectors; and how many local authorities have instituted training schemes.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithMy right hon. Friend would like to see more recruits, but he has no evidence of any general inability to carry out statutory functions as a result of a shortage of these officers. My right hon. Friend has no precise information as to the numbers of authorities with training schemes.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopDoes not the hon. Lady think that it would be a good idea to get the information, in view of the very great importance all over the country of securing larger staffs because of the increasing responsibility being placed upon them? Is she aware that there are some towns in the north-east of England where they are having to give up responsibilities, and not undertake more?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithFurther proposals have been agreed upon the desirability of improving examination and training arrangements. The hon. Gentleman will be aware that a new sanitary inspectors' education board is expected to be established shortly, and obviously the final set-up in regard to these examinations would rest with it.