HC Deb 22 January 1957 vol 563 cc6-7
7. Mr. Allaun

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the number and composition of the staff of the Alkali Inspectorate at the end of 1956; the salaries paid to the various grades; and the total cost of the inspectorate's salaries for 1956.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. J. R. Bevins)

One Chief, one Deputy Chief and eight alkali inspectors. I will circulate their salary particulars in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The total cost in 1956 was £17,480.

Mr. Allaun

Is the Minister aware that men of the type and with the qualifications required can demand higher salaries in other spheres?

Mr. Bevins

That may or may not be the case, but should circumstances arise in which my right hon. Friend finds it difficult to recruit men of the right calibre for the work, the matter of salaries will be considered.

Mr. Nabarro

Can my hon. Friend say what steps are being taken to increase the force of this inspectorate, having regard to the provisions of last year's Clean Air Act?

Mr. Bevins

At the moment, the strength of the Alkali Inspectorate is adequate for its present work but directly the need for a larger inspectorate is demonstrated, as we at present hope it will be, then additional men will be taken on.

Following are the salary particulars:

Alkali Inspectorate
No. Grade Salary
1. Chief Inspector £2,400
1. Deputy Chief Inspector £l,650–£2,050
8. Inspectors £1,565–£1,915

8. Mr. Allaun

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what proposals he has to increase the number of alkali inspectors; and by how many.

Mr. Bevins

The increased number will depend on future decisions about the scheduling of further works under the Alkali Act.

Mr. Allaun

Does the Minister really believe that ten inspectors for the whole country can deal adequately with the growing task involved, and if he is serious about the subject of clean air, will he consider a big expansion of the inspectorate?

Mr. Bevins

Consultations with the various industries affected are taking place at the present time, and they are going satisfactorily. When those consultations have been completed, and the need for more inspectors is established, more inspectors will be taken on.