Viscountess Astorasked the Home Secretary how many additional inspectors of factories he has appointed, in view of the fact that the new Factories Act came into operation on 1st July?
§ Sir S. HoareI would refer the Noble Lady to the answer given to the question on this subject by the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davies) on 14th April last. A scheme has been sanctioned which will have the effect of increasing the strength of the Inspectorate by 62, ie., by 23 per cent., over a period of three years. Under this scheme II additional inspectors have already been appointed and competitions are now being held for the recruitment of an additional 26. It is difficult to forecast the effects of the new Act on the work of the Department and the scheme is subject to review in the light of experience.