§ 6. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Labour what is the full establishment strength of the Inspectorate of class II inspectors and the number of such inspectors actually in post; and what is the salary scale for this grade.
§ Mr. HeathOne hundred and fourteen and 85 respectively. There are also seven candidates awaiting appointment. The salary scale commences at £650, at age 23. It is age-pointed to £750 at age 26 and rises to £1,035 per annum.
§ Dr. StrossDoes not the Minister agree that it would be desirable to have as many graduates at this level as possible entering the service with suitable scientific qualifications? In view of that need, plus the fact that recruitment is obviously not so good as we had hoped it would be two or three years ago when the White Paper was issued, will he change the salary scale so that it is equivalent to that of the works grade?
§ Mr. HeathThe question of the balance between those with technical qualifications and those without technical qualifications in the Factory Inspectorate was discussed, as the hon. Gentleman knows, in the White 902 Paper of 1956, with the conclusions of which I agree. Various steps have been taken recently to improve recruitment, and I am glad to say that in the last few weeks there has been an increase in the number coming forward. As regards improvement in the salary scale, I should like the hon. Gentleman to know that the figures I have given do not take account of negotiations which are at present going on as a result of recent increases in Civil Service remuneration.
§ 7. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Labour whether he will give an estimate of the additional work the Inspectorate must face as a result of the recent Factories Act and the comprehensive regulations to be issued for works of civil engineering; and whether he proposes to increase the number of inspectors in post.
§ Mr. HeathAdditional work arising from new duties is taken into account at each stage in the continuous review of staff requirements. Meanwhile, recruitment of inspectors is proceeding to bring the number in post up to the authorised establishment.
§ Dr. StrossDoes the Minister agree that it is not only the volume of the work which is increasing but its complexity, and the strain on the members of the Inspectorate, a most devoted body of workers—as devoted as any in the country—is considerable and is likely to increase? Will he, therefore, accept what the House has often urged upon him and his predecessors, in particular that the total numbers within the Inspectorate should be substantially increased?
§ Mr. HeathI gave the hon. Gentleman an undertaking to keep the numbers under review as the regulations come into operation. I shall certainly do that.
§ Mr. PrenticeIs it not a fact that some years ago this country subscribed to an I.L.O. Convention which laid down that factory inspectors should visit each factory or workplace at least once a year? Is it not a fact that we are failing in this respect—indeed, failing to visit them, on average, more than once in two years or even longer? Does this not strengthen the case made by my hon Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, Central (Dr. Stross) for an increase in the establishment?
§ Mr. HeathI should like to have an opportunity of looking at the I.L.O. Convention before committing myself on that point.
§ 9. Mr. Robensasked the Minister of Labour if he will give an estimate of the number of factory inspectors with professional qualifications in building construction and civil engineering that will be needed to ensure adequate inspection after the proposed new safety regulations come into force.
§ Mr. HeathI am considering what arrangements will be necessary to ensure adequate inspection when these regulations are made, but I cannot at present give the estimate asked for by the right hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. RobensWhen does the Minister think that the regulations will be made?
§ Mr. HeathWe were hoping that it would be possible to make them by Easter, but perhaps I could make a definite announcement later.