§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Minister of Health how many chief and assistant Poor Law inspectors were employed by the Local Government Board during the year 1914 and the number employed by the Ministry of Health at the present 236W time, showing the number employed in the Metropolis during both periods; what salaries, maximum and minimum, were paid these officials in 1914 and the amounts paid at the present time; what pension rights attach to these offices; what is the period of service which entitles to a pension; are the pensions on a contributory or non-contributory basis; what previous Poor Law experience any of the present inspectors and assistant inspectors possessed on appointment; and who is responsible for selecting and appointing to those positions?
§ Sir K. WOODFourteen general and four assistant general inspectors were employed by the Local Government Board in 1914, of whom one general and three assistant general inspectors were employed in the Metropolis. The present numbers are 12 and 11, respectively, of whom two general inspectors and seven assistant general inspectors hold acting appointments only; one general and four assistant general inspectors are at present employed in the Metropolis. In 1914 the scale for general inspectors was £600–£900 a year, and for the assistants £500 fixed; the substantive scales are now £700–£1,000, and £300–£600 for the two grades, respectively. These officers are, like other civil servants, pension-able under the Superannuation Acts, which provide for non-contributory pensions payable on retirement after the age of 60, or on account of permanent infirmity after service of not less than 10 years. The present inspectors and assistant inspectors did not possess Poor Law experience prior to appointment. The Minister of Health for the time being is responsible for the selection and appointment of officers for these posts.