§ Colonel DAYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that out of the 627 factories referred to in the
1710WCounties of Wales separately, for 1923, 1924, and 1925, respectively?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe information asked for as regard England and Wales is given in the statement below. With regard to Scotland the hon. Member should address an inquiry to the Secretary of State for Scotland:
annual Report by the Government of India only 200 were inspected twice yearly as laid down by the Factory Acts; that 285 were inspected once only, while 35 were not inspected at all during the year 1924—25; and what action has been taken with a view to the provisions of the Act being carried into effect?
§ Earl WINTERTONThese factories are perennial factories referred to in the Report of the Presidency of Bombay for 1924, not as stated by the hon. Member in the Government of India's Report. The Government of India's statistics for 1924 (the last year available) show that 5,349 factories were inspected out of a total of 6,406; 3,753 being inspected once, 1,145 twice, 315 thrice, and 136 more than three times. The Factory Acts themselves do not, as alleged in the question, lay down that factories should be inspected twice a year. Rules regarding inspection and 1711W other matters are made by the local governments, which are responsible for the administration of the subject of factories, and my Noble Friend has no reason to doubt that all possible and suitable measures are taken.