HC Deb 17 April 1961 vol 638 cc765-7
Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement on the recent improvement in the pay structure of the Factory Inspectorate; and what improvement has occurred in the recruitment of inspectors arising from this.

Mr. Hare

In July, 1960, the pay of inspectors up to Class 1A was increased and I am circulating details in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Since then rates of

Mr. Hare

As the reply contains a number of figures, I am circulating particulars in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Dr. Stross

Would it not be fair to suggest that there has been a deterioration as between those two years? If that is so, would the Minister give us some reassurance and say that he will do everything to get as many inspectors as possible appointed and as frequent inspections as possible made and see that those who do inspect shall be as highly trained as possible?

Mr. Hare

Certainly the hon. Member's assumption is right. I am glad that he has called attention to it. There has been a regrettable increase in the number of accidents. I also agree with him that everything should be done to make people more aware of the need for greater safety consciousness. Apart from this, I have increased the number of my Inspectorate; I am also taking power to issue further regulations, but the more that can be done on both sides of the House to draw attention to the need for greater care in avoiding accidents the better.

Following are the particulars:

pay of senior grades have also been increased. There has been a substantial increase in recruitment since July, 1960, but it is not possible to say how far this is due to the revised salary scales.

Dr. Stross

May I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply and assure him that there are many others on both sides of the House who welcome this increase? Will the right hon. Gentleman pay particular attention to the fact that not only do we need a great increase in the number of inspectors, but an improvement in the qualifications they possess at the initial grade?

Mr. Hare

I will certainly take note of what the hon. Member says.

Mr. Prentice

While welcoming that reply, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman what further steps are being taken to increase the numbers of the Factory Inspectorate, since the rising rate of

IMPROVEMENTS IN SALARY SCALES OF H.M. INSPECTORS CLASSES 1A, 1B AND II
— Old scale in operation at July, 1960 Revised scale and operative dates Present scale from 1st January, 1961
£ £ £
H.M. Inspector Class 1A … 1,380–1,950 1,475–2,200 from 1st October, 1958 (b) 1,534–2,288 (c)
H.M. Inspector Class 1B … 1,135–1,550 1,200–1,690 from 1st October, 1958 (b) 1,248–1,758 (c)
H.M. Inspector Class II … 650 (age 23)–1,035 730 (age23)–1,095 from 1st October, 1958 (b) 759 (age 23)–1,139 (c)
NOTES:
(a) The salary scales quoted are male national rates.
(b) Pay settlement announced on 18th July, 1960.
(c) Improvement consequent upon Central Pay Settlement for the Civil Service.