51. Mrs. Slaterasked the Minister of Health how many public health inspectors are employed by local authorities; and what is the present estimated national shortage of these inspectors.
§ Miss PittThis information could only be obtained by a special inquiry which I do not think would be justified.
Mrs. SlaterIs the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that there are about 500 to 600 inspectors short and that every local authority is working under a very serious handicap because of the shortage of public health inspectors? Will 927 the Parliamentary Secretary not ask her right hon. Friend to look into this and the methods of recruitment and the payment made to these people?
§ Miss PittI cannot confirm or deny the figures given by the hon. Lady. I know that there are shortages, not all over the country, but in particular affecting some of the large industrial areas. Steps have been taken to stimulate recruitment. We are now training more than the 200 a year recommended by the working party, and that level is being maintained in the present year. Salaries, of course, are a matter for the National Joint Council.
§ Dr. StrossWill the Parliamentary Secretary at least say, accepting that there is a national shortage varying from place to place, just what is the real reason?
§ Miss PittBecause the duties of the inspectors have considerably increased with the clean air obligations and the extension of food control. More inspectors are therefore needed.